Its ancient name
of Caub, or Chaube, still clings to the town above which it towers
majestically.

In the thirteenth century Caub was the habitation of Sir Philip of
Falkenstein and his sister Guta, the latter justly acclaimed as the
most beautiful woman in Germany. She was reputed as proud as she was
beautiful, and of the many suitors who flocked to Caub to seek her hand
in marriage none could win from her a word of encouragement or even a
tender glance.

On one occasion she and her brother were present at a great tourney held
at Cologne, where the flower of knightly chivalry and maidenly beauty
were gathered in a brilliant assembly. Many an ardent glance was
directed to the fair maid of Caub, but she, accustomed to such homage,
was not moved thereby from her wonted composure.

At length a commotion passed through the assembly. A knight had entered
the lists whose name was not announced by the herald. It was whispered
that his identity was known only to the Archbishop, whose guest he
was. Of fine stature and handsome features, clad in splendid armour
and mounted on a richly caparisoned steed, he attracted not a little
attention, especially from the feminine portion of the assemblage. But
for none of the high-born ladies had he eyes, save for Guta, to whom his
glance was ever and anon directed, as though he looked to her to
bring him victory. The blushing looks of Guta showed that she was not
indifferent to the gallantry of the noble stranger, and, truly, in her
heart she wished him well. With clasped hands she watched the combatants
couch their lances and charge. Ah! victory had fallen to the unknown
knight. Soon it became evident that the mysterious stranger was to carry
off the prize of the tourney, for there was none to match him in skill
and prowess. As he rode past the place where Guta sat he lowered his
lance, and she, in her pleasure and confusion at this mark of especial
courtesy, dropped her glove, which the knight instantly picked up,
desiring to be allowed to keep it as a guerdon.

At the grand ball which followed the tourney the victor remained all
the evening at Guta's side, and would dance with no other maiden.
Young Falkenstein, pleased with the homage paid to his sister by the
distinguished stranger, invited him to visit them at Caub, an invitation
which the gentle Guta seconded, and which the mysterious knight accepted
with alacrity.

True to his promise, ere a week had elapsed he arrived at Cau