This is a nameless knight who bears a plain shield";
and at these words a murmur of disapproval rose from the crowd, while
everyone looked up to where Louis sat, awaiting his verdict on the
matter. But he signified that the mysterious aspirant should be allowed
to show his prowess, and a minute later, all who were to take part
being now assembled, Frederick and another competitor were stationed at
opposite ends of the lists, and the signal given them to charge. Forward
thundered their steeds, a fierce combat ensued; but Frederick proved
victor, and so another warrior came forward to meet him. He, too, was
worsted, and soon it appeared as though the young Palatine prince
would surely win the coveted golden sword; for foeman after foeman
he vanquished, and eventually only two remained to confront him--the
nameless knight and another who had entered the lists under a strange,
though less suspicious, pseudonym. The latter expressed his desire to
fight last of all, and so the nameless one galloped toward Frederick,
and their lances clashed together. The Palatine prince bore his
adversary to the ground, apparently conquering him with complete ease;
and fearing he had wounded him mortally, Frederick dismounted with
intent to succour him. But the speedy fall had been a feint, and as
the victor bent down the mysterious knight suddenly drew a dagger, with
intent to plunge it into the prince's heart. So stealthy a deed was
unknown in the history of the tourney. The crowd gazed as though
petrified, and Frederick's life would doubtless have been lost--for he
was weak after his many joustings--had not he who had asked to fight
last of all galloped forward instantly on marking the drawn weapon and
driven his lance into the body of the would-be murderer!

It was Rafaello who had rescued the Palatine prince once again, and it
was a member of the Luzenstein house who had sought to kill him thus.
A crafty device in truth, and thenceforth the name of Luzenstein became
abhorred throughout all Rhineland, while the brave Italian was honoured
by knighthood, and arrangements were made for his speedy union with
Eugenia. But, alas! the fates were untoward; for the 'Secret Tribunal,'
having been baulked again and again, began to direct their schemes
against the sculptor instead of his patron; and one evening, as Rafaello
was walking with his beloved one, a band of villains attacked and
murdered the pair. They were buried together at a place known f