had overheard the conversation with a breaking heart, and grief
and shame almost overwhelmed him when he saw his father, pitifully quiet
and dignified, led into the banquet-hall to provide sport for a company
of drunken revellers. Oswald was informed of the wager, and bow and
arrows were placed in his hands.

"Baron von Sooneck," he cried, "where is the mark?"

"This cup I place upon the table," came the reply.

The arrow was fitted to the bow, released, and lo! it was not the cup
which was hit, but the Lord of Sooneck, who fell forward heavily, struck
to the heart and mortally wounded.

In a moment a loud outcry was raised, but ere action could be taken the
minstrel had sprung in front of Oswald, and boldly faced the assembly.

"This knight," he cried, "shamefully maltreated by yonder villain, is my
father. Whoso thinks he has acted wrongly in forfeiting the life of
his torturer shall answer to me. With my sword I shall teach him better
judgment."

The astonished knights, completely sobered by the tragic occurrence,
could not but admire the courage of the lad who thus boldly championed
his father, and with one voice they declared that Sir Oswald was a true
knight and had done justly.

So the blind knight, once more free, returned to his castle of
Fuerstenberg, compensated in part for the loss of his sight by the loving
devotion of his son.

Rheinstein and Reichenstein

Centuries ago the castles of Rheinstein and Reichenstein frowned at each
other from neighbouring eminences. But far from being hostile, they were
the residences of two lovers. Kuno of Reichenstein loved the fair Gerda
of Rheinstein with a consuming passion, and, as is so common with lovers
in all ages, doubted whether his love were returned. In his devotion
for the maiden he showered on her many gifts, and although his purse
was light and he was master of only a single tower, he did not spare
his gold if only he could make her happy and gain from her one look of
approval.

On one occasion he presented to her a beauteous horse of the Limousin
strain, bred under the shadow of his own castle. Deep-chested, with
arched neck and eye of fire, the noble steed aroused the liveliest
interest in the breast of Gerda, and she was eloquent in her thanks to
the giver until, observing his ardent glances, her cheeks suffused with
blushes. Taking her soft hand between his sunburnt palms, Kuno poured
into her ear the story of his love.

"Gerda," he whispere