d still some of the feeling of a gentleman
left in him.

"I am alone here now," said he to the pilgrim, with a deep sigh. "I am
myself as poor as Job. Would it were not so! My menials have left me
to provide for themselves, as I can no longer provide for them. 'Twas
ever the way of the world, and I blame them not for it. The last
departed yesterday. He was an old favourite of my father's, and he
once thought that he would not leave my service but with his life. We
must now look to ourselves, however,--at least so he said. But that
has nothing to do with the matter, so enter, my friend."

They entered. By their joint exertions a simple evening meal was soon
made ready, and speedily spread forth on a half-rotten plank, their
only table.

"I have no better to offer you," observed the young Count, "but I
offer you what I have with right goodwill. Eat, if you can, and be
merry."

They ate in silence, neither speaking during the meal.

"Surely," said the pilgrim, when it was over,--"surely it may not be
that the extensive cellars of this great castle contain not a single
cup of wine for the weary wayfarer."

The Count was at once struck by the idea. It seemed to him as if he
had never thought of it before, though in reality he had ransacked
every corner of the cellars more than once.

"Come, let us go together and try," continued the pilgrim; "it will go
hard with us if we find nought to wash down our homely fare."

Accompanied by his persuasive guest, the Count descended to the
vaults, where the wines of Rheineck had been stored for ages. Dark and
dreary did they seem to him. A chill fell on his soul as he strode
over the mouldy floor.

"Here," said the pilgrim, with great glee,--"here, here! Look ye, my
master, look ye! See! I have found a cup of the best."

The Count passed into a narrow cellar whither the pilgrim had
preceded him. There stood his companion beside a full butt of
burgundy, holding in his hand a massive silver cup, foaming over with
the generous beverage, and with the other he pointed exultingly to his
prize. The scene seemed like a dream to Ulric. The place was wholly
unknown to him. The circumstances were most extraordinary. He mused a
moment, but he knew not what to do in the emergency.

"We will enjoy ourselves here," said the pilgrim. "Here, on this very
spot, shall we make us merry! Ay, here, beside this noble butt of
burgundy. See, 'tis the best vintage! Let us be of good cheer!"

The