 14 That blast was but feebly blown, said the Hagenbach, ascending to the ramparts from which he could see what passed on the outside of the gate. Who approaches Killian? 15 The trusty squire was hastening to meet him with the news, two men with a mule, and it pleased your excellency, and merchants, I presume them to be merchants. 16 Sedeth, villain, peddlers you mean, heard ever man of English merchants tramping it on foot, with no more baggage than one mule can manage to carry. They must be beggarly Bohemians, or those whom the French people call excoses. The knaves they shall pay with the pining of their punches for the poverty of their purses. Do not be too hasty and please your excellency, quote the squire. Small budgets hold rich goods, but rich or poor they are our men, at least they have all the marks, the elder well-sized and dark-visaged. May right fifty and five years a beard somewhat grizzled, the younger some two and twenty taller than the first, and a well-favored lad with a smooth chin and light brown mustaches. Let them be admitted, said the Governor, turning back in order again to descend to the street, and bring them into the falter-comber of the Toe House, so saying he betook himself to the place appointed, which was an apartment in the large tower that protected the eastern gateway, in which were deposited the rack with various other instruments of torture, which the cruel and rapacious Governor was in the habit of applying to such prisoners from whom he was desirous of extorting either booty or information. He entered the apartment, which was dimly lighted, and had a lofty gothic roof which could be but imperfectly seen, while nooses and cords hanging down from fence announced a fearful connection with various implements of rusted iron that hung around the walls or lay scattered on the floor, a faint stream of light through one of the numerous and narrow slits, or shot holes with which the walls were garnished fell directly upon the person and visage of a tall, swarthy man seated in what but for the partial illumination would have been an obscure corner of this evil boating apartment. His features were regular and even handsome, but of a character peculiarly stern and sinister. This person's dress was a cloak of scarlet, his head was bare and surrounded by shaggy locks of black, which time had partly grizzled. He was busily employed in furbishing and burnishing a broad two-handed sword of a peculiar shape and considerably shorter than the weapons of that kind which we have described as used by the Swiss. He was so deeply engaged in his task that he started as the heavy door opened with a jarring noise and the sword escaping from his hold rolled on the stone floor with a heavy clash. Ha! Schwarzgerichter said the night as he entered the fultercomber, thou art preparing for thy duty. It would ill become your excellency's servant answered the man in a harsh, deep tone to be found idle, but the prisoner is not far off as I can judge by the fall of my sword, which infallibly announces the presence of him who shall feel its edge. The prisoners are at hand, Francis replied the governor, but thy omen has deceived thee for once. They are fellows for whom a good rope will suffice, and thy sword drinks only noble blood. The worse for Francis Dynern-Herds, replied the official in Scarlett, I trusted that your excellency, who have ever been a bountiful patron, should this day have made me noble. Noble said the governor, thou art mad, thou noble, the common executioner, and wherefore not, Sir Archibald the Hagenbach, I think the name of Francis Sternern-Herds, von Blutacker, will suit nobility, being fairly and legally one, as well as another. Nay, do not stare on me thus, if one of my profession shall do his grim office on nine men of noble birth with the same weapon, and with a single blow to each patient, hath he not a right to his freedom from taxes and his nobility by patent. So says the law, said Sir Archibald, after reflecting for a moment, but rather more in scorn than seriously I should judge, since no one was ever known to claim the benefit of it. The prouder boast for him, said the functionary, that shall be the first to demand the honors due to a sharp sword and a clean stroke. I, Francis Sternern-Herds, will be the first noble of my profession, when I shall have dispatched one more night of the empire. Thou hast been ever in my service, hast thou not, demanded the Hagenbach? Under what other master replied the executioner, could I have enjoyed such constant practice? I have executed your decrees on condemned sinners, since I could swing a scourge, lift a crowbar, or wield this trusty weapon. And who can say I ever failed of my first blow, or needed to deal a second? Tristram, of the hospital and his famous assistants, Pettit André and Troy Escolez, are novices compared with me, in the use of the noble and knightly sword. Mary, I should be ashamed to match myself with them in the field practice with boasting and dagger. These are no feats worthy of a Christian man who would rise to honor and nobility. Thou art a fellow of excellent address, and I do not deny it, replied the Hagenbach, but it cannot be. I trust it cannot be, that when noble blood is becoming scarce in the land, and proud churls are lording it over knights and barons, I myself should have caused so much to be spilled. I will number the patience to your excellency by name and title, said Francis, drawing out a scroll of parchment and reading it with a commentary as he went on. There was Count William of Elvershoe, he was my essay piece, a sweet youth, and died most like a Christian. I remember he was indeed a most smart youth, and courted my mistress, said Sir Archibald. He died on St. Jude's in the year of Grace 1455, said the Executioner. Go on, but name no dates, said the Governor. Sir Miles of Stockenborg. He drove off my cattle, observed his excellency. Sir Louis of Reisenfeld continued the Executioner. He made love to my wife, commented the Governor. The three young Heron of Lamerborg, you made their father the Count childless in one day. And he made me landless, said Sir Archibald, so that account is settled. Thou needst read no further, he continued. I admit thy record, though it is written in letters somewhat of the reddest. I had counted these three young gentlemen as one Execution. You did me the greater wrong, said Francis. They cost three good separate blows of this good sword. Be it so, and God be with their souls, said Hagenbach. But thy ambition must go to sleep for a while, sharp gorector. For the stuff that came hither today is for Dungeon and Cord, or perhaps a touch of the Rack or Strapato. There is no honour to win on them. The worst luck mine, said the Executioner. I had dreamed so surely that your honour had made me noble. And then the fall of my sword. Take a bowl of wine and forget your auguries. With your honour's permission, no, said the Executioner. To drink before noon were to endanger the nice city of my hand. Be silent, then, and mind your duty, said the Hagenbach. Francis took up his sheathless sword, wiped the dust reverently from it, and withdrew into a corner of the chamber where he stood leaning with his hands on the pommel of the fatal weapon. Almost immediately afterwards, Kilian entered at the head of five or six soldiers conducting the two Philipsons, whose arms were tied down with cords. Approach me a chair, said the Governor, and took his place gravely beside a table on which stood writing materials. Who are these men, Kilian, and wherefore are they bound? So please, your Excellency, said Kilian, with a deep respect of manner, which entirely differed from the tone approaching to familiarity with which he communicated with his master in private. We thought it well that these two strangers should not appear armed in your gracious presence, and when we required of them to surrender their weapons at the gate, as is the custom of the garrison, this young gallant must needs offer resistance. I admit he gave up his weapon at his father's command. It is false, exclaimed young Philipson, but his father, making a sign to him to be silent, he obeyed instantly. Noble Sir, said the elder Philipson, we are strangers and unacquainted with the rules of this citadel. We are Englishmen and unaccustomed to submit to personal mishandling. We trust you will have excuse for us when we found ourselves without any explanation of the cause rudely seized on by we knew not whom. My son, who is young and unthinking, did partly draw his weapon, but desisted at my command, without having altogether unsheathed his sword, far less made a blow. For myself I am a merchant, accustomed to submit to the laws and customs of the countries in which I traffic. I am in the territories of the Duke of Burgundy, and I know his laws and customs must be just and equitable. He is the powerful and faithful ally of England, and I fear nothing while under his banner. Hem, hem! replied the Hagenbach, a little disconcerted by the Englishman's composure, and perhaps recollecting that unless his passions were awakened, as in the case of the Swiss, whom he detested, Charles of Burgundy deserved the character of a just, though severe prince. Fair words are well, but hardly make amends for foul actions. You have drawn swords in riot and opposition to the Duke soldiers when obeying the mandates which regulate their watch. Surely, sir, answered Phillipson, this is a severe construction of a most natural action, but in a word, if you are disposed to be rigorous, the simple action of drawing or attempting to draw a sword in a garrisoned town is only punishable by pecuniary fine, and such we must pay if it be your will. Now here is a silly sheep, said Killian, to the executioner beside whom he had stationed himself, somewhat apart from the group, who voluntarily offers his own fleece to the clipper. It will scarcely serve as a ransom for his throat, sir Squire answered Francis Steiner-Hurse. For, look you, I dreamed last night that our master made me noble, and I knew by the fall of my sword that this is the man by whom I am to mount to gentility. I must, this very day, deal on him with my good sword. Why, thou ambitious fool, said the Squire, this is no noble, but an island peddler, a mere English citizen. Thou art deceived, said the executioner, and hast never looked on men when they are about to die. Have I not, said the Squire, have I not looked on five pitched fields besides skirmishes and ambuscades innumerable? That tries not the courage, said the Schwarzgerrickter. All men will fight when pitched against each other, so will the most paltry curse, so will the Dunghill fells. But he is brave and noble, who can look on a scaffold and a block, a priest to give him absolution, and the headsman and good sword, which is to mow him down in his strength, as he would look upon things indifferent. And such a man is that whom we now behold. Yes, answered Kilian, but that man looks not on such an apparatus, he only sees our illustrious patron, Sir Archibald de Hagenbach. And he who looks upon Sir Archibald, said the executioner, being as yonder man assuredly is, a person of sense and apprehension, looks he not upon sword and headsman, assuredly that prisoner apprehends as much, and being so composed as he is under such conviction, it shows him to be a nobleman by blood, or may I myself never win nobility. Our master will come to compromise with him, I judge, replied Kilian, he looks smilingly on him. Never trust to me then, said the man in scarlet, there is a glance in Sir Archibald's eye which betokens blood, as surely as the dog star bodes pestilence. While these dependents of Sir Archibald de Hagenbach were thus conversing apart, their master had engaged the prisoners in a long train of capsious interrogatories concerning their business in Switzerland, their connection with the landmen, and the cause of their traveling into Burgundy, to all which the senior Philipsen gave direct and plain answers, accepting to the last, he was going, he said, into Burgundy for the purpose of his traffic, his wares were at the disposal of the governor, who might detain all or any part of them as he might be disposed to make himself answerable to his master. But his business with the Duke was of a private nature respecting some particular matters of commerce in which others as well as he himself were interested. To the Duke alone, he declared, would he communicate the affair, and he pressed it strongly on the governor that if he should sustain any damage in his own person or that of his son, the Duke's severe displeasure would be the inevitable consequence. De Hagenbach was evidently much embarrassed by the steady tone of his prisoner and more than once held counsel with the bottle, his never failing oracle in cases of extreme difficulty. Philipsen had readily surrendered to the governor a list or invoice of his merchandise, which was of so inviting a character that Sir Archibald absolutely gloated over it. After remaining in deep meditation for some time, he raised his head and spoke thus, you must be well aware, Sir Merchant, that it is the Duke's pleasure that no Swiss merchandise shall pass through his territories, and that nevertheless, you having been by your own account some time in that country, and having also accompanied a body of men calling themselves Swiss deputies, I am authorized to believe that these valuable articles are rather the property of those persons than of a single individual of so poor an appearance as yourself, and that should I demand pecuniary satisfaction, 300 pieces of gold would not be an extravagant fine for so bold a practice, and you might wonder where you will with the rest of your wares, so you bring them not into Burgundy, but it is to Burgundy and to the Duke's presence that I am expressly bound, said the Englishman, if I go not thither my journey is wrecked, and the Duke's displeasure is certain to light on those who may molest me, for I make your excellency aware that your gracious prince already knows of my journey, and will make strict inquiry where and by whom I have been intercepted, again the governor was silent endeavoring to decide how he might best reconcile the gratification of his capacity with precaution for his safety, after a few minutes consideration, he again addressed his prisoner, thou art very positive in thy tale, my good friend, but my orders are equally so to exclude merchandise coming from Switzerland, what if I put thy mule and baggage under arrest, I cannot withstand your power, my lord, to do what you will, I will in that case go to the Duke's footstool and do my errand there, I and my errand also answered the governor, that is, thou will carry thy complaint to the Duke against the governor of Laforet for executing his orders too strictly, on my life and honest word answered the Englishman, I will make no complaint, leave me but my ready money, without which I can hardly travel to the Duke's court, and I will look no more after these goods and wares than the stag looks after the antlers which he shed last year, again the governor of Laforet looked doubtful and shook his head, men in such a case as yours he said cannot be trusted, nor to say the truth, is it reasonable to expect they should be trustworthy, these same wares designed for the Duke's private hand in what do they consist, they are under seal, replied the Englishman, they are of rare value doubtless, continued the governor, I cannot tell, answered the elder Philipson, I know the Duke sets great store by them, but your Excellency knows that great princes sometimes place a high value on trifles, bear you them about you, said the governor, take heed how you answer, look around you on these engines which can bring a dumb man to speak, and consider I have the power to employ them, and I the courage to support their worst inflection, answered Philipson, with the same impenetrable coolness which he had maintained throughout the whole conference, remember also said Hagenbach, that I can have your person searched as thoroughly as your males and budgets, I do remember that I am wholly in thy power, and that I may leave thee no excuse for employing force on a peaceful traveler, I will own to you, said Philipson, that I have the Duke's packet in the bosom of my doublet, bring it forth, answered the governor, my hands are tied, both in honor and literally, said the Englishman, pluck it from his bosom, Kylian, said Sir Archibald, let us see this gear he talks of, could resistance avail, replied the stout merchant, you should pluck forth my heart first, but I pray all who are present to observe that the seals are every one whole and unbroken at this moment when it is forcibly taken from my person, as he spoke thus he looked around on the soldiers whose presence to Hagenbach had perhaps forgotten, how dog, said Sir Archibald, giving way to his passion, would you stir up mutiny among my men at arms, Kylian, let the soldiers wait without, so saying he hastily placed under cover of his own robe the small but remarkably well secured packet which Kylian had taken from the merchant's person, the soldiers withdrew lingering however and looking back like children brought away from a show before its final conclusion. So fellow, again began to Hagenbach, we are now more private, wilt thou deal more on the level with me, and tell me what this packet is, and whence it comes, could all your garrison be crowded into this room, I can only answer as before, the contents I do not precisely know, the person by whom it was sent I am determined not to name, perhaps your son, said the governor, may be more compliant, he cannot tell you that of which he is himself ignorant, answered the merchant, perchance the rack may make you both find your tongues, and we will try it on the young fellow first, Kylian, since thou knowest, we have seen men shrink from beholding the wretched joints of their children that would have committed their own old sinews to the stretching with much endurance. You may make the trial, said Arthur, and heaven will give me strength to endure, and me courage to behold, added his father. All this while the governor was turning and returning the little packet in his hand, curiously inspecting every fold and regretting doubtless in secret that a few patches of wax placed under an envelope of crimson satin and ligatures of twisted silk cord should prevent his eager eyes from ascertaining the nature of the treasure which he doubted not it concealed. At length he again called in the soldiers and delivered up the two prisoners to their charge, commanding that they should be kept safely and in separate holes, and that the father in particular should be most carefully looked after. I take you all here to witness, exclaimed the elder Philipson, despising the menacing signs of Dahagenbach, that the governor detains from me a packet addressed to his most gracious lord and master the Duke of Burgundy. Dahagenbach actually foamed at the mouth with passion, and should I not detain it, he exclaimed, in a voice inarticulate with rage, may there not be some foul practice against the life of our most gracious sovereign by poison or otherwise in this suspicious packet brought by a most suspicious bearer. Have we never heard of poisons which do their work by the smell, and shall we who keep the gate, as I may say, of his grace of Burgundy's dominions, give access to what may rob Europe of its pride of chivalry, Burgundy of its prince, and Flanders of her father. No, away with these miscreants, soldiers, down to the lowest dungeons with them, keep them separate, and watch them carefully. This treasonable practice has been meditated with the connivance of Byrne and Soler. Thus Sir Archibald Dahagenbach raved with a raised voice and inflamed countenance, lashing himself as it were into passion, until the steps of the soldiers and the clash of their arms as they retired with the prisoners were no longer audible. His complexion, when these had ceased, waxed paler than was natural to him. His brow was furrowed with anxious wrinkles, and his voice became lower and more hesitating than ordinary, as turning to his esquire he said, Kilian, we stand upon a slippery plank with a raging torrent beneath us. What is to be done? Mary, to move forward with a resolved yet prudent step, answered the crafty Kilian, it is unlucky that all these fellows should have seen the packet and heard the appeal of yonder iron-nerved traitor. But this ill luck has befallen us, and the packet, having been in your excellency's hands, you will have all the credit of having broken the seals. For though you leave them as entire as the moment they were impressed, it will only be supposed that they have been ingeniously replaced. Let us see what are the contents before we determine what is to be done with them. They must be of rare value, since the churl merchant was well contented to leave behind all his rich mules-load of merchandise, so that this precious packet might pass unexamined. They may be papers on some political matter. Many such and of high importance pass secretly between Edward of England and our bold duke. Such was the reply of D'Hoggenbach. If they be papers of consequence to the duke, answered Kilian, we can forward them to Dijon, or they may be such as Louis of France would purchase with their weight of gold. For shame, Kilian, said the knight, wouldst thou have me betray my master's secrets to the king of France? Sooner would I lay my head on the block. Indeed, and yet your excellency hesitates not to hear the squire stop, apparently for fear of giving offense by affixing a name too broad and intelligible to the practices of his patron? To plunder the duke, thou wouldst say thou impudent slave, and saying so, thou wouldst be as dull as thou art want to be, answered D'Hoggenbach. I partake indeed in the plunder, which the duke takes from aliens and reason good, even so the hound and the hawk have their share of the quarry they bring down. I and the lions share too, unless the huntsman or falconer be all the nearer to them. Such are the perquisites of my rank, and the duke who placed me here for the gratification of his resentment and the bettering of my fortune does not grudge them to a faithful servant, and indeed I may term myself insofar as this territory of laforet extends the duke's full representative, or as it may be termed, alter ego, and thereupon I will open this packet, which being addressed to him is hereby equally addressed to me. Having thus in a manner talked himself up to an idea of his own high authority, he cut the strings of the packet, which he had all this while held in his hand, and undoing the outer coverings produced a very small case made of sandalwood. The contents he said had need to be valuable as they lie in so little compass. So saying, he pressed the spring and the casket opening, displayed a necklace of diamonds distinguished by brilliancy and size, and apparently of extraordinary value. The eyes of the avaricious governor and his no less rapacious attendant were so dazzled with the unusual splendor that for some time they could express nothing, save joy and surprise. I, Mary Sir, said Killian, the obstinate old nave had reasons for his hardy hood. My own joints should have stood a strain or two. Air eyes surrendered such sparklers as these. And now, Sir Archibald, may your trusty follower ask you how this booty is to be divided between the Duke and his governor, according to the most approved rules of garrison towns. Faith, we will suppose the garrison stormed Killian, and in a storm thou knowest the first finder takes all, with due consideration always of his trusty followers. As myself, for example, said Killian, I and myself, for example, answered a voice which sounded like the echo of the Esquire's words from the remote corner of the ancient apartment. Sadev, we are overheard, exclaimed the governor, starting and laying his hand on his dagger. Only by a faithful follower, as the worthy Esquire observes, said the executioner, moving slowly forward. Villain, how disthou dare watch me, said Sir Archibald the Hagenbach. Trouble not yourself for that, Sir, said Killian. Honest diner and herds has no tongue to speak, or ear to hear, save according to your pleasure. Indeed, we must shortly have taken him into our councils, seeing these men must be dealt upon and that speedily. Indeed, said the Hagenbach, I have thought they might be spared to tell the Duke of Burgundy how the governor of La Fourette accounts to his treasurer for the duties and forfeitures at his custom house, demanded Killian. Tis true, said the night dead men have neither teeth nor tongue. They bite not, and they tell no tales. Thou will take order with them, Scharfgerrichter. I will, my lord, answer the executioner, on condition that if this must be in the way of dungeon execution, which I call cellar practice, my privilege to claim nobility shall be saved and reserved to me, and the execution shall be declared to be as effectual to my claim as it might have been if the blow had been dealt in broad daylight with my honorable blade of office. The Hagenbach stared at the executioner as not understanding what he meant, on which Killian took occasion to explain that the Scharfgerrichter was strongly impressed from the free and dauntless conduct of the elder prisoner that he was a man of noble blood from whose decapitation he would himself derive all the advantages proposed to the headsman who should execute his function on nine men of illustrious extraction. He may be right, said Sir Archibald, for here is a slip of parchment commending the bearer of this carcannet to the Duke, desiring him to accept it as a true token from one well known to him, and to give the bearer full credence in all that he should say on the part of those by whom he is sent, by whom is the note signed, if I may make bold to ask, said Killian. There is no name, the Duke must be supposed to collect that information from the gems or perhaps the handwriting on neither of which he is likely to have a speedy opportunity of exercising his ingenuity, said Killian. The Hagenbach looked at the diamonds and smiled darkly. The sharp gritter encouraged by the familiarity into which he had in a manner forced himself returned to his plea and insisted on the nobility of the supposed merchant. Such a trust and such a letter of unlimited credence could never, he contended, be entrusted to a man meanly born. Thou art deceived, thou fool, said the knight. Kings now use the lowest tools to do their dearest offices. Louis has set the example of putting his barber and the valets of his chamber to do the work formally entrusted to Dukes and Pierce, and other monarchs begin to think that it is better in choosing their agents for important affairs to judge rather by the quality of men's brains than that of their blood. And as for the stately look and bold bearing which distinguish yonder fellow in the eyes of cravens like thee, it belongs to his country, not his rank. Thou thinkest it is in England as in Flanders where a city bread burger of Ghent, Lige, or Ipros, is as distinct an animal from a knight of Henald as a Flanders wagon horse from a Spanish genet. But thou art deceived, England has many a merchant as haughty of heart and as prompt of hand as any noble-born son of her rich bosom. But be not dejected, thou foolish man. Do thy business well on this merchant, and we shall presently have on our hands the landmen of Unterwelden, who though a churl by his choice is yet a nobleman by blood, and shall by his well-deserved death aid thee to get rid of the peasant slough which thou art so weary of. Were not your excellency better adjourn these men's fate, said Killian, till you hear something of them from the Swiss prisoners whom we shall presently have in our power. Be it as you will, said Hagenbach, waving his hand as if putting aside some disagreeable task, but let all be finished ere I hear of it again. The stern satellites bowed obedience, and the deadly conclave broke up, their chief carefully securing the valuable gems which he was willing to purchase at the expense of treachery to the sovereign in whose employment he had enlisted himself, as well as the blood of two innocent men. Yet with a weakness of mind not uncommon to great criminals, he shrank from the thoughts of his own baseness and cruelty, and endeavored to banish the feeling of dishonor from his mind by devolving the immediate execution of his villainy upon his subordinate agents. The dungeon in which the younger Philipson was emured was one of those gloomy caverns which cry shame on the inhumanity of our ancestors. They seem to have been almost insensible to the distinction betwixt innocence and guilt, as the consequences of mere accusation must have been far more severe in those days than is in our own that species of imprisonment which is adjudged as an express punishment for crime. The cell of Arthur Philipson was of considerable length but dark and narrow and dug out of the solid rock upon which the tower was founded. A small lamp was allowing him, not however, without some grumbling, but his arms were still kept bound. And when he asked for a draft of water, one of the grim satellites by whom he was thrust into this cell answered surly that he might endure his thirst for all the time his life was likely to last, a gloomy response which augured that his privations would continue as long as his life, yet neither be of long duration. By the dim lamp he had groped his way to a bench, or rough seat, cut in the rock, and as his eyes got gradually accustomed to the obscurity of the region in which he was immured, he became aware of a ghastly cleft in the floor of his dungeon, somewhat resembling the opening of a draw well but irregular in its aperture and apparently the mouth of a gulf of nature's confirmation, slightly assisted by the labor of human art. Here, then, is my deathbed, he said, and that gulf perhaps the grave which yawns for my remains. Nay, I have heard of prisoners being plunged into such horrid abysses while they were yet alive, to die at leisure, crushed with wounds, their groans unheard, and their fate unpitted. He approached his head to the dismal cavity and heard, as at a great doubt, the sound of a sullen and, as it seemed, subterranean stream. The sunless waves appeared murmuring for their victim. Death is dreadful at all ages, but in the first springtide of youth, with all the feelings of enjoyment afloat and eager for gratification, to be snatched forcibly from the banquet to which the individual has but just sat down, is peculiarly appalling, even when the change comes in the ordinary course of nature. But to set, like young Philipson, on the brink of the subterranean abyss and ruminate in horrid doubt concerning the mode in which death was to be inflicted, was a situation which might break the spirit of the boldest, and the unfortunate captive was wholly unable to suppress the natural tears that flowed from his eyes in torrents, and which his bound arms did not permit him to wipe away. We have already noticed that, although a gallant young man in aught of danger, which was to be phased and overcome by active exertion, the youth was strongly imaginative and sensitive to a powerful extent, to all those exaggerations which, in a situation of helpless uncertainty, fancy lens to distract the soul of him who must passively expect and approaching evil. Yet the feelings of Arthur Philipson were not selfish, they reverted to his father, whose just and noble character was as much formed to attract veneration as his unceasing paternal care and affection to excite love and gratitude. He too was in the hands of remorseless villains who were determined to conceal robbery by secret murder. He too, undaunted in so many dangers, resolute in so many encounters, lay bound and defenseless, exposed to the dagger of the meanest stabber. Arthur remembered to the giddy peak of the rock near Geierstein and the grim vulture which claimed him as its prey. Here was no angel to burst through the mist and marshal him on a path of safety. Here the darkness was subterranean and eternal, saving when the captive should behold the knife of the ruffian flash against the lamp which lent him light to aim the fatal blow. This agony of mine lasted until the feelings of the unhappy prisoner arose to ecstasy. He started up and struggled so hard to free himself of his bonds that it seemed they should have fallen from him as from the arms of the mighty Nazarene. But the cords were of too firm a texture and after a violent and unavailing struggle in which the ligatures seemed to enter his flesh the prisoner lost his balance and while the feeling thrilled through him that he was tumbling backward into the subterranean abyss he fell to the ground with great force. Fortunately he escaped the danger which in his agony he apprehended but so narrowly that his head struck against the low and broken fence with which the mouth of the horrible pit was partly surrounded. Here he lay stunned and motionless and as the lamp was extinguished in his fall immersed in absolute and total darkness he was recalled to sensation by a jarring noise. They come they come the murderers oh lady of mercy and oh gracious heaven forgive my transgressions. He looked up and observed with dazzled eyes that a dark form approached him with a knife in one hand and a torch in the other. He might well have seemed the man who was to do the last deed upon the unhappy prisoner if he had come alone but he came not alone. His torch gleamed upon the white dress of a female which was so much illuminated by it that Arthur could discover a form and had even a glimpse of features never to be forgotten though now seen under circumstances least of all to be expected. The prisoner's unutterable astonishment impressed him with a degree of awe which overcame even his personal fear. Can these things be was his muttered reflection? Has she really the power of an elementary spirit? Has she conjured up this earth-like and dark demon to concur with her in my deliverance? It appeared as if his guests were real for the figure in black giving the light to Anne of Geierstein or at least the form which bore her perfect resemblance stooped over the prisoner and cut the cord that bound his arms with so much dispatch that it seemed as if it fell from his person at a touch. Arthur's first attempt to arise was unsuccessful and a second time it was the hand of Anne of Geierstein, a living hand sensible to touch as to sight which aided to raise and to support him as it had formerly done when the tormented waters of the river thundered at their feet. Her touch produced an effect far beyond that of the slight personal aid which the maiden strength could have rendered. Courage was restored to his heart, vigor and animation to his benumbed and bruised limbs. Such influence does the human mind when excited to energy possess over the informities of the human body. He was about to address Anne in accents of the deepest gratitude but the accents died away on his tongue when the mysterious female laying her finger on her lips made him a sign to be silent and at the same time beckoned him to follow her. He obeyed in silent amazement. They passed the entrance of the melancholy dungeon and through one or two short but intricate passages which cut out of the rock in some places and built in others with hewn stone of the same kind probably led to holes similar to that in which Arthur was so lately a captive. The recollection that his father might be emured in some such horrid cell as he himself had just quitted induced Arthur to pause as they reached the bottom of a small winding staircase which conducted apparently from this region of the building. Come, he said, dearest Anne, lead me to his deliverance. I must not leave my father. She shook her head impatiently and beckoned him on. If your power extends not to save my father's life, I will remain and save him or die. Anne, dearest Anne, she answered not but her companion replied in a deep voice not unsuitable to his appearance. Speak, young man, to those who are permitted to answer you or rather be silent and listen to my instructions which direct to the only chorus which can bring thy father to freedom and safety. They ascended the stair Anne of Geierstein going first while Arthur who followed close behind could not help thinking that her form gave existence to a part of the light which her garment reflected from the torch. This was probably the effect of the superstitious belief impressed on his mind by Rudolph's tale respecting her mother and which was confirmed by her sudden appearance in a place and situation where she was so little to have been expected. He had not much time, however, to speculate upon her appearance or demeanor for mounting the stair with a lighter pace than he was able at the time to follow closely. She was no longer to be seen when he reached the landing place, but whether she had melted into the air or turned aside into some other passage he was not permitted a moment's leisure to examine. Here lies your way, said his sable guide, and at the same time dashing out the light and seizing Philipson by the arm he led him along a dark gallery of considerable length. The young man was not without some momentary misgivings while he recollected the ominous looks of his conductor and that he was armed with a dagger or knife which he could plunge of a sudden into his bosom, but he could not bring himself to dread treachery from anyone whom he had seen in company with Anne of Geierstein, and in his heart he demanded her pardon for the fear which had flashed across him and resigned himself to the guidance of his companion who advanced with hasty but light footsteps and cautioned him by a whisper to do the same. Our journey he at length said ends here. As he spoke a door gave way and admitted them into a gloomy gothic apartment furnished with large oaken presses apparently filled with books and manuscripts as Arthur looked round with eyes dazzled with the sudden gleam of daylight from which he had been for some time excluded, the door by which they had entered disappeared. This, however, did not greatly surprise him, who judged that being formed in appearance to correspond with the presses around the entrance which they had used it could not, when shut, be distinguished from them. A device sometimes then practiced as indeed it often is at the present day. He had now a full view of his deliverer who when seen by daylight showed only the vestments and features of a clergyman without any of that expression of supernatural horror which the partial light and the melancholy appearance of all in the dungeon had combined to impress on him. Young Philipson once more breathed with freedom as one awakened from a hideous dream and the supernatural qualities with which his imagination had invested and of Geierstein having begun to vanish he addressed his deliverer thus that I may testify my thanks holy father where they are so especially do let me inquire of you if Anne of Geierstein speak of that which pertains to your house and family answered the priest as briefly as before hast thou so soon forgot thy father's danger by heavens no replied the youth tell me but how to act for his deliverance and thou shalt see how a son can fight for a parent it is well for it is needful said the priest don thou this vestment and follow me the vestment presented was the gown and hood of a novice draw the cowl over thy face said the priest and return no answer to any man who meets thee I will say thou art under avow may heaven forgive the unworthy tyrant who imposes on us the necessity of such profane dissimulation follow me close and near beware that you speak not the business of disguise was soon accomplished and the priest of saint paul's for such he was moving on Arthur followed him a pace or two behind assuming as well as he could the modest step and humble demeanor of a spiritual novice on leaving the library or study and descending a short stare he found himself on the street of brisok irresistibly tempted to look back he had only time however to see that the house he had left was a very small building of a gothic character on the one side of which rose the church of saint paul's and on the other the stern black gatehouse or entrance tower follow me malcure said the deep voice of the priest and his keen eyes were at the same time fixed upon the supposed novice with a look which instantly recalled Arthur to a sense of his situation they passed along nobody noticing them unless to greet the priest with a silent abeasance or muttered phrase of salutation until having nearly gained the middle of the village the guide turned abruptly off from the street and moving northward by a short lane reached a flight of steps which as usual in fortified towns led to the bank at or walk behind the parapet which was of the old gothic fashion flanked with towers from space to space of different forms and various heights at different angles there were sentinels on the walls but the watch as it seemed was kept not by regular soldiers but by burgers with spears or swords in their hands the first whom they passed said to the priest in a half whispered tone holds our purpose it holds replied the priest of saint paul's benedicite deo grossius replied the armed citizen and continued his walk upon the battlements the other sentinels seemed to avoid them for they disappeared when they came near or passed them without looking or seeming to observe them at last their walk brought them to an ancient turret which raised its head above the wall and in which there was a small door opening from the battlement it was in a corner distinct from and uncommanded by any of the angles of the fortification in a well guarded fortress such a point ought to have had a sentinel for its special protection but no one was there upon duty now mark me said the priest for your father's life and it may be that of many a man besides depends upon your attention and no less upon your dispatch you can run you can leap i feel no weariness father since you freed me answered arthur and the done dear that i have often chased shall not beat me in such a wager observed then replied the black priest of saint paul's this turret contains a staircase which descends to a small sallyport i will give you entrance to it the sallyport is barred on the inside but not locked it will give you access to the moat which is almost entirely dry on crossing it you will find yourself in the circuit of the outer barriers you may see sentinels but they will not see you speak not to them but make your way over the palisade as you can i trust you can climb over an undefended rampart i have surmounted a defended one said arthur what is my next charge all this is easy you will see a species of thicket or stretch of low bushes make for it with all speed when you are there turn to the eastward but beware while holding that course that you are not seen by the burgundian free companions who are on watch on that part of the walls a volley of arrows and the sally of a body of cavalry in pursuit will be the consequence if they get sight of you and their eyes are those of the eagle that spied the carnage of far i will be heedful said the young englishman you will find continued the priest upon the outer side of the thicket a path or rather a sheep track which sweeping at some distance from the walls will conduct you at last into the road leading from brisok to bail hasten forward to meet the swests who are advancing tell them your father's hours are counted and that they must press on if they would save him and say to rudolf donner hugel in a special that the black priest of saint paul's waits to bestow upon him his blessing at the northern sally port does thou understand me perfectly answered the young man the priest of saint paul's then pushed open the low brown gate of the turret and arthur was about to precipitate himself down the stair which opened before him stay yet a moment said the priest and doff the novices habit which can only encumber thee arthur in a trice threw it from him and was again about to start stay yet a moment longer continued the black priest this gown may be a tell tale stay therefore and help me to pull off my upper garment inwardly glowing with impatience arthur yet saw the necessity of obeying his guide and when he had pulled the long and loose upper vestment from the old man he stood before him in a cassock of black surge befitting his order and profession but beguert not with a suitable sash such as clergymen wear but with a most uncanonical buff belt supporting a short two-edged sword calculated alike to stab and to smite give me now the novices habit said the venerable father and over that i will put the priestly vestment since for the present i have some tokens of the laity about me it is fitting it should be covered with a double portion of the clerical habit as he spoke thus he smiled grimly and his smile had something more frightful and withering than the stern frown which suited better with his features and was their usual expression and now said he what does the fool tarry for when life and death are in his speed the young messenger waited not a second hint but at once descended the stairs as if it had been by a single step found the portal as the priest had said only secured by bars on the inside offering little resistance save from their rusted state which made it difficult to draw them arthur succeeded however and found himself at the side of the moat which presented a green and marshy appearance without stopping to examine whether it was deep or shallow and almost without being sensible of the tenacity of the morass the young englishman forced his way through it and attained the opposite side without attracting the attention of two worthy burgers of brisok who were the guardians of the barriers one of them indeed was deeply employed in the perusal of some profane chronicle or religious legend the other was as anxiously engaged in examining the margin of the moat in search of eels perhaps or frogs for he wore over his shoulder a script for securing some such amphibious booty seeing that as the priest foretold he had nothing to apprehend from the vigilance of the sentinels arthur dashed at the palisade in hope to catch hold of the top of the stockade and so to clear it by one bold leap he overrated his powers of activity however or they were diminished by his recent bonds and imprisonment he fell lightly backward on the ground and as he got to his feet became aware of the presence of a soldier in yellow and blue the livery of the haugenbach who came running towards him crying to the slothful and unobservant sentinels alarm alarm you lazy swine stop the dog or you are both dead men the fisherman who was on the farther side laid down his ill spear drew his sword and flourishing it over his head advanced toward phillipson with very moderate haste the student was yet more unfortunate for in his hurry to fold up his book and attend to his duty he contrived to throw himself inadvertently doubtless full in the soldier's way the latter who was running at top speed encountered the burger with a severe shock which threw both down but the citizen being a solid and substantial man lays still where he fell while the other less weighty and probably less prepared for the collision lost his balance and the command of his limbs at once and rolling over the edge of the moat was immersed in the mud and marsh the fisher and the student went with deliberate speed to assist the unexpected and unwelcome partner of their watch while arthur stimulated by the imminent sense of danger spraying at the barrier with more address and vigor than before and succeeding in his leap made as he had been directed with his utmost speed for the covert of the adjacent bushes he reached them without hearing any alarm from the walls but he was conscious that his situation had become extremely precarious since his escape from the town was known to one man at least who would not fail to give the alarm in case he was able to extricate himself from the marsh a feat however in which it seemed to arthur that the armed citizens were likely to prove rather his apparent than actual assistance while such thoughts shot across his mind they served to augment his natural speed of foot so that in less space than could have been thought possible he reached the thinner extremity of the thicket once as intimated by the black priest he could see the eastern tower and the adjoining battlements of the town with hostile faces thronged and fiery arms it required at the same time some address on the part of the fugitive to keep so much under shelter as to prevent himself from being seen in his turn by those whom he saw so plainly he therefore expected every moment to hear a bugle wind or to behold that bustle and commotion among the defenders which might prognosticate a sally neither however took place and he'd fully observing the footpath or track which the priest had pointed out to him young phillipson wheeled his course out of sight of the guarded towers and soon falling into the public and frequented road by which his father and he had approached the town in the morning he had the happiness by the dust and flash of arms to see a small body of armed men advancing towards brisok whom he justly concluded to be the van of the swiss deputation he soon met the party which consisted of about 10 men with rudolf donner hugel at their head the figure of phillipson covered with mud and in some places stained with blood for his fall in the dungeon had caused him a slight wound attracted the wonder of everyone who crowded around to hear the news drudolf alone appeared unmoved like the visage on the ancient statues of hercules the physiognomy of the bulky bernese was large and massive having an air of indifferent and almost sullen composure which did not change but in moments of the fiercest agitation he listened without emotion to the breathless tail of arthur phillipson that his father was in prison and adjudged to death and what else did you expect said the bernese coldly were you not warned it had been easy to have foreseen the misfortune but it may be impossible to prevent it i own i own said arthur ringing his hands that you were wise and that we were foolish but oh do not think of our folly in the moment of our extremity be the gallant and generous champion which your cantons proclaim you give us your aid in this deadly strait but how or in what manner said rudolf still hesitating we have dismissed the bellies who were willing to have given assistance so much did your dutiful example way with us we are now scarce above a score of men how can you ask us to attack a garrison town secured by fortifications and where there are six times our number you have friends within the fortifications replied arthur i am sure you have hark in your ear the black priest sent to you to you rudolf donner hugel of bern that he waits to give you his blessing at the northern sallyport i doubtless said rudolf shaking himself free of arthur's attempt to engage him in private conference and speaking so that all around might hear him there is little doubt on it i will find a priest at the northern sallyport to confess and absolve me and a block ax and headsman to strike my throat asunder when he has done but i will scarce put the neck of my father's son into such risk if they assassinate an english peddler who has never offended them what will they do with the bear of bern whose fangs and talons archibald the haugenbach has felt ere now young philipson at these words clasped his hands together and held them up to heaven as one who abandons hope accepting sense the tears started to his eyes and clenching his hands and setting his teeth he turned his back abruptly upon the swiss what means this passion said rudolf wither would you now to rescue my father or perish with him said arthur and was about to run wildly back to la ferrette when a strong but kindly grasp detained him terry a little till i tie my garter said sigisman bederman and i will go with you king arthur you oaf exclaimed rudolf you and without orders why look you cousin rudolf said the youth continuing with great composure to fasten his garter which after the fashion of the time was somewhat intricately secured you are always telling us that we are swiss and freeman and what is the advantage of being a freeman if one is not at liberty to do what he has a mind you are my hopped man look you so long as it pleases me and no longer and why should thou desert me now thou fool why at this minute of all other minutes in the year demanded the bernie's look you replied the insubordinate follower i have hunted with arthur for this month past and i love him he never called me fool or idiot because my thoughts came slower maybe and somewhat duller than those of other folk and i love his father the old man gave me this baldrick and this horn which i warrant caused many a cruiser he told me to not to be discouraged for that it was better to think justly than to think fast and that i had sense enough for the one if not for the other and the kind old man is now in hog and box butcher shambles but we will free him arthur if two men may thou shalt see me fight while steel blade and ashen shaft will hold together so saying he shook in the air his enormous partisan which quivered in his grasp like a slip of willow indeed if iniquity was to be struck down like an ox there was not one in that chosen band more likely to perform the feet than sigisman for those somewhat shorter in stature than his brethren and of a less animated spirit yet his breadth of shoulders and strength of muscles were enormous and if thoroughly aroused and disposed for the contest which was very rarely the case perhaps rudolf himself might as far as sheer force went have had difficulty in matching him truth of sentiment and energy of expression always produce an effect on natural and generous characters several of the youths around began to exclaim that sigisman said well that if the old man had put himself in danger it was because he thought more of the success of their negotiation than of his own safety and had taken himself from under their protection rather than involve them in quarrels on his account we are the more bound they said to see him unscathed and we will do so peace all you wise acres said rudolf looking round with an air of superiority and you are there of england pass on to the landman who is close behind you know he is our chief commander he is no less your father's sincere friend and whatever he may determine in your father's favor you will find most ready executors of his pleasure in all of us his companions appeared to concur in this advice and young philipson saw that his own compliance with the recommendation was indispensable indeed although he still suspected that the bernese by his various intrigues as well with the swiss youth as with those of bale and as might be inferred from the priest of st paul's by communication even within the town of la ferrette possessed the greater power of assisting him at such a conjuncture yet he trusted far more in the simple candor and perfect faith of arnold bederman and pressed forward to tell to him his mournful tale and crave his assistance from the top of a bank which he reached in a few minutes after he parted from rudolf and the advanced guard he saw beneath him the venerable landman and his associates attended by a few of the youths who no longer were dispersed upon the flanks of the party but attended on them closely and in military array as men prepared to repel any sudden attack behind came a mule or two with baggage together with the animals which in the ordinary course of their march supported ann of geierstein and her attendant both were occupied by female figures as usual and to the best of arthurs ken the foremost had the well-known dress of ann from the gray mantle to a small heron's plume which since entering germany she had worn in compliance with the custom of the country and in evidence of her rank as a maiden of birth and distinction yet if the youth's eyes brought him true tidings at present what was the character of their former information when scarce more than half an hour since they had beheld in the subterranean dungeon of brishock the same form which they now rested upon in circumstances so very different the feeling excited by this thought was powerful but it was momentary like the lightning which blazes through a midnight sky which is but just seen ere it vanishes into darkness or rather the wonder excited by this marvelous incident only maintained its ground in his thoughts by allying itself with the anxiety for his father's safety which was their predominant occupation if there be indeed a spirit he said which wears that beautiful form it must be beneficent as well as lovely and will extend to my far more deserving father the protection which his son has twice experienced but ere he had time to prosecute such a thought further he had met the landmen and his party here his appearance and his condition excited the same surprise as they had formerly occasioned to rudolf and the vanguard to the repeated interrogatories of the landmen he gave a brief account of his own imprisonment and of his escape of which he suffered the whole glory to rest with the black priest of saint paul's without mentioning one word of the more interesting female apparition by which he had been attended and assisted in his charitable task on another point also arthur was silent he saw no propriety in communicating to arnold bederman the message which the priest had addressed to rudolf's ear alone whether good should come of it or no he held sacred the obligation of silence imposed upon him by a man from whom he had just received the most important assistance the landmen was struck dumb for a moment with sorrow and surprise at the news which he heard the elder philipson had gained his respect as well by the purity and steadiness of the principles which he expressed as by the extent and depth of his information which was peculiarly valuable and interesting to the switzer who felt his admirable judgment considerably fettered for want of that knowledge of countries times and manners with which his english friend often supplied him let us press forward he said to the bannerette of bern and the other deputies let us offer our mediation betwixt the tyrant the haugenbach and our friend whose life is in danger he must listen to us for i know his master expects to see this philipson at his court the old man hinted to me so much as we are possessed of such a secret archibald the haugenbach will not dare to brave our vengeance since we might easily send to duke charles information how the governor of la ferrette abuses his power in matters where not only the swiss but where the duke himself is concerned under your reverend favor my worthy sir answered the bannerette of bern we are swiss deputies and go to represent the injuries of switzerland alone if we embroil ourselves with the quarrels of strangers we shall find it more difficult to settle advantageously those of our own country and if the duke should by this villainy done upon english merchants bring upon him the resentment of the english monarch such breach will only render it more a matter of peremptory necessity for him to make a treaty advantageous to the swiss cantons there was so much worldly policy in this advice that adam zimmerman of soler instantly expressed his assent with the additional argument that their brother bederman had told them scarce two hours before how these english merchants had by his advice and their own free desire parted company with them that morning on purpose that they might not involve the deputies in the quarrels which might be raised by the governor's exactions on his merchandise now what advantage he said shall we derive from this same parting of company supposing as my brother seems to urge we are still to consider this englishman's interest as if he were our fellow traveler and under our special protection this personal reasoning pinched the landman somewhat closely for he had but a short while before discounted on the generosity of the elder philipsen who had freely exposed himself to danger rather than that he should embarrass their negotiation by remaining one of their company and it completely shook the fealty of the white bearded nicholas bonsteaden whose eyes wandered from the face of zimmerman which expressed triumphant confidence in his argument to that of his friend the landman which was rather more embarrassed than usual brethren said arnold at length with firmness and animation i aired in priding myself upon the worldly policy which i taught to you this morning this man is not of our country doubtless but he is of our blood a copy of the common creator's image and the more worthy of being called so as he is a man of integrity and worth we might not without grievous sin pass such a person being in danger without affording him relief even if he lay accidentally by the side of our path much less should we abandon him if the danger has been incurred in our own cause and that we might escape the net in which he is himself caught be not therefore downcast we do god's will in suckering an oppressed man if we succeed by mild means as i trust we shall we do a good action at a cheap rate if not god can't assert the cause of humanity by the hands of few as well as of many if such is your opinion said the bannerman of burn not a man here will shrink from you for me i pleaded against my own inclinations when i advised you to avoid a breach with the burgundian but as a soldier i must need say i would rather fight the garrison where they double the number they talk of in a fair field then undertake to storm their defenses nay said the landman i sincerely hope we shall both enter and depart from the town of brisok without deviating from the pacific character with which our mission from the diet invests us end of chapter 15