uld tell you such tales of its
cleverness! It came from distant India, where a pirate.... But you shall
hear the story some other time. Thanks, thanks! As to your son, Meister,
it's a thousand pities about him. He was a splendid fellow, and we were
like two brothers. He himself gave me the safeguard for you and the
artist, Moor. I fastened them on the doors with my own hands, as soon
as the fray began. My swordbearer got the paste, and now may the writing
stick there as an honorable memento till the end of the world. Navarrete
was a faithful fellow, who never forgot his friends! How much good that
does Lelaps! See, see! He is licking your hands, that means, 'I thank
you.'"

While Ruth had been washing the dog's wound, and the lansquenet talked
of Ulrich, her tearful eyes met the father's.

"They say he cut down twenty-one Walloons before he fell," continued
Hans.

"No, sir," interrupted Adam. "I saw him. He was shot before he raised
his guilty sword."

"Ah, ah!--but it happened on the rampart."

"They rushed over him to the assault."

"And there he still lies; not a soul has cared for the dead and
wounded."

The girl started, and laid the dog in the old man's lap, exclaiming:
"Suppose Ulrich should be alive! Perhaps he was not mortally wounded,
perhaps...."

"Yes, everything is possible," interrupted the lansquenet. "I could tell
you things... for instance, there was a countryman of mine whom, when
we were in Africa, a Moorish Pacha struck... no lies now... perhaps! In
earnest; it might happen that Ulrich... wait... at midnight I shall keep
guard on the rampart with my company, then I'll look...."

"We, we will seek him!" cried Ruth, seizing the smith's arm.

"I will," replied the smith; "you must stay here."

"No, father, I will go with you."

The lansquenet also shook his head, saying "Jungfer, Jungfer, you
don't know what a day this is. Thank Our Heavenly Father that you have
hitherto escaped so well. The fierce lion has tasted blood. You are a
pretty child, and if they should see you to-day...."

"No matter," interrupted the girl. "I know what I am asking. You will
take me with you, father! Do so, if you love me! I will find him, if any
one can!

"Oh, sir, sir, you look kind and friendly! You have the guard. Escort
us; let me seek Ulrich. I shall find him, I know; I must seek him--I
must."

The girl's cheeks were glowing; for before her she saw her playfellow,
her lover, gasping for breath, with