w. "Don't spare this morning's meal," said he to
the young man; "the first glass, indeed, ought to be drank to the lady
of the house, according to courteous habits; but mine has long departed
this life, and my only daughter, Bertha, who acts in her place, is gone
down to the village church, to hear the sermon and mass on this
holiday. Well, you asked me if I have ever heard of you before? As you
now belong to our party, I may venture to acquaint you with what I
otherwise should have kept secret. When you entered Ulm, I was also in
the town, not only for the purpose of taking my daughter home, who was
residing there, but principally to learn many things, which were
important for the Duke to know. Gold opened all the doors," he added
with a smile, "and unbolted those also of the grand council; by which
means I became acquainted with everything the commanders of the League
had determined upon. When war was declared, I was obliged to leave the
place, but I left faithful men behind me in the town, who informed me
of every circumstance, even the most secret."

"Was not the fifer of Hardt one of them," asked Albert, "whom I found
with the exile?"

"Yes; the same who conducted you over the Alb." Albert started. "I had
daily intelligence of the most secret affairs. Among other things, I
learnt that they had determined to send a trusty spy into the
neighbourhood of Tuebingen, to gain intelligence and advertise the
League of our movements. I heard you were selected for that service. I
must tell you honestly, that, though you and your name were indifferent
to me, for I did not know you personally, still I regretted that your
young blood should be employed on that service, for, as sure as you
live, the moment you had passed the Alb in the degrading character of a
spy, so soon would you have been cut to pieces without grace or mercy.
So much more surprising then was the information to me, when I learned
further, that you had refused the service, and had spoken boldly before
your employers. The fact also of your having renounced their party, and
sworn to keep in a state of neutrality for fourteen days, was also made
known to me. How much I rejoice then that you have become our friend
also, I leave you to imagine!"

Nothing could have been more gratifying to Albert's feelings than the
eulogium passed on his conduct by the knight of Lichtenstein. This
moment removed all obstacles which had hitherto interrupted the tie
between him and