large stones up to the
battlements over the archway.

"Who are our assailants?" asked the maiden, as with a firm step she
mounted the wall.

The advancing troops rode up to the raised drawbridge, displaying as
they came the picturesque costume and swarthy face of the Bohemian
marauder. The Lady Margaret's cheek was now deeply flushed, and the
haughty spirit of her race flashed within her eyes and curled her lip in
scorn.

"They are not a hundred," she said to the palmer, who stood at her side.

In reply, the palmer pointed to a body of men-at-arms, then emerging
from a clump of trees in which they had been hitherto concealed. Her
color fell at the sight of this new force--yet only for a moment: the
next instant her cheek resumed its glow. This column, about a hundred
strong, approached slowly and cautiously, as if expecting a sally, until
they too had reached the moat.

"We call upon you to open your gates!" exclaimed a knight, who rode a
little in advance.

"To whom?" replied the Lady Margaret, in a loud voice.

"To your rightful king and master, Henry of Austria!"

"We do not own a monarch," she returned, "who has forfeited the crown,
and our gates shall be closed against all who come in his name."

"You refuse to surrender?"

"Yes!"

"Prepare then, for we will force a passage!"

"We are ready, and invite you to begin!"

The animation which had hitherto supported the maiden gave way, and,
all trembling, she descended the rough steps and returned to the castle.

The attack was at once begun. The assailants were not supplied with
cross-bows or instruments for casting stones, and the palmer with the
soldiers, who readily submitted to his command, could safely watch their
operations from the battlements. Some with their battle-axes dashed into
the moat and swam across to cut the chain which raised the bridge; but
hardly had they reached the shore before they were struck down with
stones hurled from the walls. The palmer's object was to hold out until
nightfall, and create as much delay as was attainable. The sun was
already half hidden behind the hills.

But the fall of the bridge now became inevitable. Their ammunition was
exhausted, and three of the assailants, armed with axes, occupied the
bridge, while others were arriving at intervals.

"Let us at least gain five minutes," exclaimed the palmer. "One sortie
for the Pope and Rodolph of Suabia!"

The bars were withdrawn and the gallant band poured