gether whenever my overlord needs his assistance."

"That is true," commented Cologne.

"My overlord sent word that anything I needed for the accommodation of
her ladyship, he recognizing that my warning had been short, I should
requisition from the Count Palatine, so at midday I went up to call upon
him, not saying anything, of course, about State prisoners, male or
female. The moment he heard that you, my Lord, were visiting this
neighborhood, he begged me to tender to you, and to all your companions
or following, the hospitality of his Castle for so long as you might
honor him with your presence."

"The Count Palatine is very gracious, and I shall be glad to accept
shelter and refreshment."

"He would have been here to greet your Highness, but I was unable to
inform him at what hour you would arrive, so I waited for you myself,
and will be pleased to guide you to the gates of Gutenfels."

The conversation was interrupted by a great clatter of galloping horses,
descending the hill with reckless speed, and at its foot swinging round
into the main street of the town.

"Ha!" cried the amateur jailer, "here is the Count Palatine himself;"
and thus it is our fate to meet the fourth Elector of the Empire, who,
added to the three Archbishops, formed a quorum so potent that it could
elect or depose an Emperor at will.

The cavalry of the Count Palatine was composed of fifty fully-armed men,
and their gallop through the town roused the echoes of that ancient
bailiwick, which, together with the Castle, belonged to the Palatinate.
The powerful noble extended a cordial welcome to his fellow-Elector, and
together they mounted to the Castle of Gutenfels.

At dinner that night the Count Palatine proved an amiable host. Under
his geniality the charming Countess von Sayn gradually recovered her
lost good spirits, and forgot she was on her way to prison. After all,
she was young, naturally joyous, and loved interesting company,
especially that of the two Electors, who were well informed, and had
seen much of the world. The Archbishop also shook off some of his
somberness; indeed, all of it as the flagons flowed. Being asked his
preference in wine, he replied that yesterday he had been regaled with a
very excellent sample of Oberweseler.

"That is from this neighborhood," replied the Count. "Oberwesel lies but
a very short distance below, on the opposite side of the river, but we
contend that our beverage of Caub is at least e