d to Count Montfort's?"

The groom replied in the affirmative.

"Then take the lead, and strike it at the nearest point."

After groping for some minutes, they succeeded in hitting it, and, aided
by the lightning, pursued their course as swiftly as the stormy night
permitted.

The Lady Margaret was awakened to her situation only to pour forth
torrents of tears. In vain the palmer tried to moderate her grief--she
could scarcely be persuaded from returning.

The rain had now ceased, and as the clouds rolled away, they obtained
light enough to continue their flight more rapidly and securely.

"Look!" cried the groom, as they stood on the top of a lofty hill. The
palmer could scarcely repress an inclination to throttle his imprudent
friend; for as the Lady Margaret turned her head, she saw a column of
smoke and flame curling up, as if it warred against the skies.

"It is my father's castle!" she said. "Oh, what has become of those we
left?" she added shuddering. "Let us trust in God!" murmured the palmer.
Brighter and brighter grew the flame--higher and higher rose the lurid
column. Still the Lady Margaret continued to gaze on the fiery pillar.
At last the light suddenly expanded and burned awhile with intense
brilliancy. It was but for a moment. Dimmer and dimmer grew the flame,
and darkness soon settled over the ashes of Stramen Castle.

The palmer now placed the maiden upon the third horse, and led the way
with his hand upon her bridle. Two hours more brought them to the
fortress of Tuebingen, where the brave Count Montfort, though refusing to
join Rodolph, had designed to hold out to the last against his perjured
and sacrilegious rival. The palmer demanded admittance in the name of
Albert of Hers, and instantly obtained it.

The generous countess received the daughter of Stramen with open arms,
and the count swore first to protect and then to avenge her. Nor was the
palmer forgotten. Despite his ridiculous costume, now soiled and torn
and stained with blood, he exhibited no embarrassment when ushered into
the presence of the noble group.

"The Lady Margaret would know her deliverer," said the countess.

The palmer removed his head-piece and threw back his hood.

"Do you remember me, my lady?" he asked, with a smile.

The maiden looked as one striving to recall a dream.

"Do you remember Ailred of Zurich, the minnesinger?"

Her cheek turned scarlet as she exclaimed, "Oh I how much I owe to you!"

"You o