t each other as enemies. Our sire is
ready to forgive you for the sake of old friendship; will you not give
him the opportunity and come with me?"

Adalbert was entirely deceived by the seeming sincerity of the Bishop,
and so touched by the clemency of the sovereign that he promised to go
in person and make submission if Hatto would but guarantee his safety.

The conversation was held in the Count's oratory, and the Churchman
knelt before the crucifix and swore in the most solemn manner that he
would bring Adalbert safely back to his castle.

In a very short time they were riding together on the road to Mainz,
where Ludwig held court. When they were a mile or two from Ehrenfels
Hatto burst into a loud laugh, and in answer to the Count's questioning
glance he said merrily:

"What a perfect host you are! You let your guest depart without even
asking him whether he has breakfasted. And I am famishing, I assure
you!"

The courteous Adalbert was stricken with remorse, and murmured profuse
apologies to his guest. "You must think but poorly of my hospitality,"
said he; "in my loyalty I forgot my duty as a host."

"It is no matter," said Hatto, still laughing. "But since we have come
but a little way, would it not be better to return to Ehrenfels and
breakfast? You are young and strong, but I--"

"With pleasure," replied the Count, and soon they were again within the
castle enjoying a hearty meal. With her own hands the young Countess
presented a beaker of wine to the guest, and he, ere quaffing it, cried
gaily to Adalbert:

"Your health! May you have the reward I wish for you!" Once again they
set out on their journey, and reached Mainz about nightfall. That very
night Adalbert was seized ignominiously and dragged before the Emperor.
By Ludwig's side stood the false Bishop.

"What means this outrage?" cried the Count, looking from one to the
other.

"Thou art a traitor," said Ludwig, "and must suffer the death of a
traitor."

Adalbert addressed himself to the Bishop.

"And thou," he said, "thou gavest me thine oath that thou wouldst bring
me in safety to Ehrenfels."

"And did I not do so, fool?" replied Hatto contemptuously. "Was it my
fault if thou didst not exact a pledge ere we set out for the second
time?"

Adalbert saw now the trap into which he had fallen, and his fettered
limbs trembled with anger against the crafty priest. But he was
impotent.

"Away with him to the block!" said the Emperor.

"Am