ur only hope was to reach Strasbourg, which was much nearer
than the perfidious Claude had assured me. Marguerite was well
acquainted with the road, and galloped on before me. We were obliged
to pass by the Barn, where the Robbers were slaughtering our Domestics.
The door was open: We distinguished the shrieks of the dying and
imprecations of the Murderers! What I felt at that moment language is
unable to describe!

Jacques heard the trampling of our Horses as we rushed by the Barn. He
flew to the Door with a burning Torch in his hand, and easily
recognised the Fugitives.

'Betrayed! Betrayed!' He shouted to his Companions.

Instantly they left their bloody work, and hastened to regain their
Horses. We heard no more. I buried my spurs in the sides of my
Courser, and Marguerite goaded on hers with the poignard, which had
already rendered us such good service. We flew like lightning, and
gained the open plains. Already was Strasbourg's Steeple in sight,
when we heard the Robbers pursuing us. Marguerite looked back, and
distinguished our followers descending a small Hill at no great
distance. It was in vain that we urged on our Horses; The noise
approached nearer with every moment.

'We are lost!' She exclaimed; 'The Villains gain upon us!'

'On! On!' replied I; 'I hear the trampling of Horses coming from the
Town.'

We redoubled our exertions, and were soon aware of a numerous band of
Cavaliers, who came towards us at full speed. They were on the point
of passing us.

'Stay! Stay!' shrieked Marguerite; 'Save us! For God's sake, save us!'

The Foremost, who seemed to act as Guide, immediately reined in his
Steed.

''Tis She! 'Tis She!' exclaimed He, springing upon the ground; 'Stop,
my Lord, stop! They are safe! 'Tis my Mother!'

At the same moment Marguerite threw herself from her Horse, clasped him
in her arms, and covered him with Kisses. The other Cavaliers stopped
at the exclamation.

'The Baroness Lindenberg?' cried another of the Strangers eagerly;
'Where is She? Is She not with you?'

He stopped on beholding her lying senseless in my arms. Hastily He
caught her from me. The profound sleep in which She was plunged made
him at first tremble for her life; but the beating of her heart soon
reassured him.

'God be thanked!' said He; 'She has escaped unhurt.'

I interrupted his joy by pointing out the Brigands, who continued to
approach. No sooner had I mentioned them than the greates