e such active
allies in his plans--but to secure it for himself. His means were also
not inexhaustible. But opposed to the calm steadfastness of his prisoner,
the Prefect's efforts to extort the secret were vain.

CHAPTER XXVI.

All necessary measures had been taken for the escape of the King.

Rauthgundis and Wachis had made themselves thoroughly acquainted with
the pine-grove where the faithful freedman was to wait with the charger
of Dietrich of Bern.

And it was with the confidence which completed preparations always lend
to a stout heart, that Rauthgundis returned to the dwelling of the
gaoler.

But she turned pale when the latter rushed to meet her with an air of
desperation, and dragged her across the threshold.

Once in the room, he threw himself on his knees before her, beating his
breast with his fists and tearing his grey hair.

For some time he could find no words.

"Speak," cried Rauthgundis, pressing her hand to her wildly-beating
heart. "Is he dead?"

"No; but flight is impossible! all is lost! all is lost! An hour ago
the Prefect came, and went down to the King. As usual, I opened both
doors for him, the passage and the prison door, and then----"

"Well?"

"Then he took both keys from me, saying he would keep them in future
himself."

"And thou gavest them up!" said Rauthgundis, grinding her teeth.

"How could I refuse? I did all I could. I kept them back and asked:
'Master, do you no longer trust me?' He looked at me with a look that
seemed to pierce soul and body. 'From this moment,' he said, 'no
longer,' and snatched the keys from my hand."

"And thou didst not prevent him?"

"Oh, mistress, you are unjust! What could you have done in my place?
Nothing!"

"I should have strangled him. And now? What shall we do now?"

"Do? Nothing! Nothing can be done!"

"He _must_ be liberated. Dost thou hear? he _must_!"

"But, mistress, I know not how."

Rauthgundis caught up an axe which lay near the hearth.

"We will open the doors by force."

Dromon tried to take the axe from her hand.

"It is impossible! They are thickly plated with iron."

"Then send for the monster! Tell him that Witichis desires to speak
with him, and I will strike him down at the passage door."

"And then? You rave! Let me go out. I will call Wachis away from his
useless watch."

"No! I cannot think that we shall not succeed. Perhaps that devil will
return of his own acco