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diff --git a/2865-h/2865-h.htm b/2865-h/2865-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..b07dacc --- /dev/null +++ b/2865-h/2865-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,4096 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" +"http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=utf-8" /> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Otto of the Silver Hand, by Howard Pyle</title> + +<style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify;} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> + +<div style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Otto of the Silver Hand, by Howard Pyle</div> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and +most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions +whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms +of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online +at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you +are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the +country where you are located before using this eBook. +</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: Otto of the Silver Hand</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Howard Pyle</div> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: October, 2001 [eBook #2865]<br /> +[Most recently updated: October 28, 2023]</div> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Produced by: Angus Christian and David Widger</div> +<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OTTO OF THE SILVER HAND ***</div> + +<h1>OTTO OF THE SILVER HAND</h1> + + <h2> + By Howard Pyle + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <a href="#link2H_FORE"> FOREWORD. </a> <br /><br /><br /> <a + href="#link2H_4_0002"> I. </a> The Dragon’s House. <br /><br /> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> II. </a> How the Baron went Forth + to Shear. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> III. </a> How + the Baron came Home Shorn. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> IV. </a> The + White Cross on the Hill. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0006"> V. </a> How + Otto Dwelt at St. Michaelsburg. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0007"> VI. + </a> How Otto Lived in the Dragon’s House. <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2H_4_0008"> VII. </a> The Red Cock Crows on + Drachenhausen. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0009"> VIII. </a> In + the House of the Dragon Scorner. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0010"> + IX. </a> How One-eyed Hans came to Trutz-Drachen. <br /><br /> + <a href="#link2H_4_0011"> X. </a> How Hans Brought Terror to + the Kitchen. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0012"> XI. </a> How + Otto was Saved. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0013"> XII. </a> A + Ride For Life. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0014"> XIII.</a> How + Baron Conrad Held the Bridge. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0015"> XIV. + </a> How Otto Saw the Great Emperor. <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#link2H_4_0016"> Afterword </a> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_FORE" id="link2H_FORE"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + FOREWORD. + </h2> + <p> + Between the far away past history of the world, and that which lies near + to us; in the time when the wisdom of the ancient times was dead and had + passed away, and our own days of light had not yet come, there lay a great + black gulf in human history, a gulf of ignorance, of superstition, of + cruelty, and of wickedness. + </p> + <p> + That time we call the dark or middle ages. + </p> + <p> + Few records remain to us of that dreadful period in our world’s history, + and we only know of it through broken and disjointed fragments that have + been handed down to us through the generations. + </p> + <p> + Yet, though the world’s life then was so wicked and black, there yet + remained a few good men and women here and there (mostly in peaceful and + quiet monasteries, far from the thunder and the glare of the worlds bloody + battle), who knew the right and the truth and lived according to what they + knew; who preserved and tenderly cared for the truths that the dear Christ + taught, and lived and died for in Palestine so long ago. + </p> + <p> + This tale that I am about to tell is of a little boy who lived and + suffered in those dark middle ages; of how he saw both the good and the + bad of men, and of how, by gentleness and love and not by strife and + hatred, he came at last to stand above other men and to be looked up to by + all. And should you follow the story to the end, I hope you may find it a + pleasure, as I have done, to ramble through those dark ancient castles, to + lie with little Otto and Brother John in the high belfry-tower, or to sit + with them in the peaceful quiet of the sunny old monastery garden, for, of + all the story, I love best those early peaceful years that little Otto + spent in the dear old White Cross on the Hill. + </p> + <p> + Poor little Otto’s life was a stony and a thorny pathway, and it is well + for all of us nowadays that we walk it in fancy and not in truth. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + I. The Dragon’s House. + </h2> + <p> + Up from the gray rocks, rising sheer and bold and bare, stood the walls + and towers of Castle Drachenhausen. A great gate-way, with a heavy + iron-pointed portcullis hanging suspended in the dim arch above, yawned + blackly upon the bascule or falling drawbridge that spanned a chasm + between the blank stone walls and the roadway that ran winding down the steep + rocky slope to the little valley just beneath. There in the lap of the + hills around stood the wretched straw-thatched huts of the peasants + belonging to the castle—miserable serfs who, half timid, half + fierce, tilled their poor patches of ground, wrenching from the hard soil + barely enough to keep body and soul together. Among those vile hovels + played the little children like foxes about their dens, their wild, fierce + eyes peering out from under a mat of tangled yellow hair. + </p> + <p> + Beyond these squalid huts lay the rushing, foaming river, spanned by a + high, rude, stone bridge where the road from the castle crossed it, and + beyond the river stretched the great, black forest, within whose gloomy + depths the savage wild beasts made their lair, and where in winter time + the howling wolves coursed their flying prey across the moonlit snow and + under the net-work of the black shadows from the naked boughs above. + </p> + <p> + The watchman in the cold, windy bartizan or watch-tower that clung to the + gray walls above the castle gateway, looked from his narrow window, where + the wind piped and hummed, across the tree-tops that rolled in endless + billows of green, over hill and over valley to the blue and distant slope + of the Keiserberg, where, on the mountain side, glimmered far away the + walls of Castle Trutz-Drachen. + </p> + <p> + Within the massive stone walls through which the gaping gateway led, three + great cheerless brick buildings, so forbidding that even the yellow + sunlight could not light them into brightness, looked down, with row upon + row of windows, upon three sides of the bleak, stone courtyard. Back of + and above them clustered a jumble of other buildings, tower and turret, + one high-peaked roof overtopping another. + </p> + <p> + The great house in the centre was the Baron’s Hall, the part to the left + was called the Roderhausen; between the two stood a huge square pile, + rising dizzily up into the clear air high above the rest—the great + Melchior Tower. + </p> + <p> + At the top clustered a jumble of buildings hanging high aloft in the windy + space; a crooked wooden belfry, a tall, narrow watch-tower, and a rude + wooden house that clung partly to the roof of the great tower and partly + to the walls. + </p> + <p> + From the chimney of this crazy hut a thin thread of smoke would now and + then rise into the air, for there were folk living far up in that empty, + airy desert, and oftentimes wild, uncouth little children were seen + playing on the edge of the dizzy height, or sitting with their bare legs + hanging down over the sheer depths, as they gazed below at what was going + on in the court-yard. There they sat, just as little children in the town + might sit upon their father’s door-step; and as the sparrows might fly + around the feet of the little town children, so the circling flocks of + rooks and daws flew around the feet of these air-born creatures. + </p> + <p> + It was Schwartz Carl and his wife and little ones who lived far up there + in the Melchior Tower, for it overlooked the top of the hill behind the + castle and so down into the valley upon the further side. There, day after + day, Schwartz Carl kept watch upon the gray road that ran like a ribbon + through the valley, from the rich town of Gruenstaldt to the rich town of + Staffenburgen, where passed merchant caravans from the one to the other—for + the lord of Drachenhausen was a robber baron. + </p> + <p> + Dong! Dong! The great alarm bell would suddenly ring out from the belfry + high up upon the Melchior Tower. Dong! Dong! Till the rooks and daws + whirled clamoring and screaming. Dong! Dong! Till the fierce wolf-hounds + in the rocky kennels behind the castle stables howled dismally in answer. + Dong! Dong!—Dong! Dong! + </p> + <p> + Then would follow a great noise and uproar and hurry in the castle + court-yard below; men shouting and calling to one another, the ringing of + armor, and the clatter of horses’ hoofs upon the hard stone. With the + creaking and groaning of the windlass the iron-pointed portcullis would be + slowly raised, and with a clank and rattle and clash of iron chains the + drawbridge would fall crashing. Then over it would thunder horse and man, + clattering away down the winding, stony pathway, until the great forest + would swallow them, and they would be gone. + </p> + <p> + Then for a while peace would fall upon the castle courtyard, the cock + would crow, the cook would scold a lazy maid, and Gretchen, leaning out of + a window, would sing a snatch of a song, just as though it were a peaceful + farm-house, instead of a den of robbers. + </p> + <p> + Maybe it would be evening before the men would return once more. Perhaps + one would have a bloody cloth bound about his head, perhaps one would + carry his arm in a sling; perhaps one—maybe more than one—would + be left behind, never to return again, and soon forgotten by all excepting + some poor woman who would weep silently in the loneliness of her daily + work. + </p> + <p> + Nearly always the adventurers would bring back with them pack-horses laden + with bales of goods. Sometimes, besides these, they would return with a + poor soul, his hands tied behind his back and his feet beneath the horse’s + body, his fur cloak and his flat cap wofully awry. A while he would + disappear in some gloomy cell of the dungeon-keep, until an envoy would + come from the town with a fat purse, when his ransom would be paid, the + dungeon would disgorge him, and he would be allowed to go upon his way + again. + </p> + <p> + One man always rode beside Baron Conrad in his expeditions and + adventures—a short, deep-chested, broad-shouldered man, with sinewy arms + so long that when he stood his hands hung nearly to his knees. + </p> + <p> + His coarse, close-clipped hair came so low upon his brow that only a strip + of forehead showed between it and his bushy, black eyebrows. One eye was + blind; the other twinkled and gleamed like a spark under the penthouse of + his brows. Many folk said that the one-eyed Hans had drunk beer with the + Hill-man, who had given him the strength of ten, for he could bend an iron + spit like a hazel twig, and could lift a barrel of wine from the floor to + his head as easily as though it were a basket of eggs. + </p> + <p> + As for the one-eyed Hans he never said that he had not drunk beer with the + Hill-man, for he liked the credit that such reports gave him with the + other folk. And so, like a half savage mastiff, faithful to death to his + master, but to him alone, he went his sullen way and lived his sullen life + within the castle walls, half respected, half feared by the other inmates, + for it was dangerous trifling with the one-eyed Hans. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + II. How the Baron went Forth to Shear. + </h2> + <p> + Baron Conrad and Baroness Matilda sat together at their morning meal; below + their raised seats stretched the long, heavy wooden table, loaded with + coarse food—black bread, boiled cabbage, bacon, eggs, a great chine + from a wild boar, sausages, such as we eat nowadays, and flagons and jars + of beer and wine. Along the board sat ranged in the order of the household + the followers and retainers. Four or five slatternly women and girls + served the others as they fed noisily at the table, moving here and there + behind the men with wooden or pewter dishes of food, now and then laughing + at the jests that passed or joining in the talk. A huge fire blazed and + crackled and roared in the great open fireplace, before which were + stretched two fierce, shaggy, wolfish-looking hounds. Outside, the rain + beat upon the roof or ran trickling from the eaves, and every now and then + a chill draught of wind would breathe through the open windows of the + great black dining-hall and set the fire roaring. + </p> + <p> + Along the dull-gray wall of stone hung pieces of armor, and swords and + lances, and great branching antlers of the stag. Overhead arched the rude, + heavy, oaken beams, blackened with age and smoke, and underfoot was a + chill pavement of stone. + </p> + <p> + Upon Baron Conrad’s shoulder leaned the pale, slender, yellow-haired + Baroness, the only one in all the world with whom the fierce lord of + Drachenhausen softened to gentleness, the only one upon whom his savage + brows looked kindly, and to whom his harsh voice softened with love. + </p> + <p> + The Baroness was talking to her husband in a low voice, as he looked down + into her pale face, with its gentle blue eyes. + </p> + <p> + “And wilt thou not, then,” said she, “do that one thing for me?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” he growled, in his deep voice, “I cannot promise thee never more to + attack the towns-people in the valley over yonder. How else could I live + an’ I did not take from the fat town hogs to fill our own larder?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” said the Baroness, “thou couldst live as some others do, for all do + not rob the burgher folk as thou dost. Alas! mishap will come upon thee + some day, and if thou shouldst be slain, what then would come of me?” + </p> + <p> + “Prut,” said the Baron, “thy foolish fears” But he laid his rough, hairy + hand softly upon the Baroness’ head and stroked her yellow hair. + </p> + <p> + “For my sake, Conrad,” whispered the Baroness. + </p> + <p> + A pause followed. The Baron sat looking thoughtfully down into the + Baroness’ face. A moment more, and he might have promised what she + besought; a moment more, and he might have been saved all the bitter + trouble that was to follow. But it was not to be. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly a harsh sound broke the quietness of all into a confusion of + noises. Dong! Dong!—it was the great alarm-bell from Melchior’s + Tower. + </p> + <p> + The Baron started at the sound. He sat for a moment or two with his hand + clinched upon the arm of his seat as though about to rise, then he sunk + back into his chair again. + </p> + <p> + All the others had risen tumultuously from the table, and now stood + looking at him, awaiting his orders. + </p> + <p> + “For my sake, Conrad,” said the Baroness again. + </p> + <p> + Dong! Dong! rang the alarm-bell. The Baron sat with his eyes bent upon the + floor, scowling blackly. + </p> + <p> + The Baroness took his hand in both of hers. “For my sake,” she pleaded, + and the tears filled her blue eyes as she looked up at him, “do not go + this time.” + </p> + <p> + From the courtyard without came the sound of horses’ hoofs clashing + against the stone pavement, and those in the hall stood watching and + wondering at this strange delay of the Lord Baron. Just then the door + opened and one came pushing past the rest; it was the one-eyed Hans. He + came straight to where the Baron sat, and, leaning over, whispered + something into his master’s ear. + </p> + <p> + “For my sake,” implored the Baroness again; but the scale was turned. The + Baron pushed back his chair heavily and rose to his feet. “Forward!” he + roared, in a voice of thunder, and a great shout went up in answer as he + strode clanking down the hall and out of the open door. + </p> + <p> + The Baroness covered her face with her hands and wept. + </p> + <p> + “Never mind, little bird,” said old Ursela, the nurse, soothingly; “he + will come back to thee again as he has come back to thee before.” + </p> + <p> + But the poor young Baroness continued weeping with her face buried in her + hands, because he had not done that thing she had asked. + </p> + <p> + A white young face framed in yellow hair looked out into the courtyard + from a window above; but if Baron Conrad of Drachenhausen saw it from + beneath the bars of his shining helmet, he made no sign. + </p> + <p> + “Forward,” he cried again. + </p> + <p> + Down thundered the drawbridge, and away they rode with clashing hoofs and + ringing armor through the gray shroud of drilling rain. + </p> + <p> + The day had passed and the evening had come, and the Baroness and her + women sat beside a roaring fire. All were chattering and talking and + laughing but two—the fair young Baroness and old Ursela; the one sat + listening, listening, listening, the other sat with her chin resting in + the palm of her hand, silently watching her young mistress. The night was + falling gray and chill, when suddenly the clear notes of a bugle rang from + without the castle walls. The young Baroness started, and the rosy light + flashed up into her pale cheeks. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, good,” said old Ursela; “the red fox has come back to his den again, + and I warrant he brings a fat town goose in his mouth; now we’ll have fine + clothes to wear, and thou another gold chain to hang about thy pretty + neck.” + </p> + <p> + The young Baroness laughed merrily at the old woman’s speech. “This time,” + said she, “I will choose a string of pearls like that one my aunt used to + wear, and which I had about my neck when Conrad first saw me.” + </p> + <p> + Minute after minute passed; the Baroness sat nervously playing with a + bracelet of golden beads about her wrist. “How long he stays,” said she. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Ursela; “but it is not cousin wish that holds him by the + coat.” + </p> + <p> + As she spoke, a door banged in the passageway without, and the ring of + iron footsteps sounded upon the stone floor. Clank! Clank! Clank! + </p> + <p> + The Baroness rose to her feet, her face all alight. The door opened; then + the flush of joy faded away and the face grew white, white, white. One + hand clutched the back of the bench whereon she had been sitting, the + other hand pressed tightly against her side. + </p> + <p> + It was Hans the one-eyed who stood in the doorway, and black trouble sat + on his brow; all were looking at him waiting. + </p> + <p> + “Conrad,” whispered the Baroness, at last. “Where is Conrad? Where is your + master?” and even her lips were white as she spoke. + </p> + <p> + The one-eyed Hans said nothing. + </p> + <p> + Just then came the noise of men s voices in the corridor and the shuffle + and scuffle of feet carrying a heavy load. Nearer and nearer they came, + and one-eyed Hans stood aside. Six men came struggling through the + doorway, carrying a litter, and on the litter lay the great Baron Conrad. + The flaming torch thrust into the iron bracket against the wall flashed up + with the draught of air from the open door, and the light fell upon the + white face and the closed eyes, and showed upon his body armor a great red + stain that was not the stain of rust. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly Ursela cried out in a sharp, shrill voice, “Catch her, she + falls!” + </p> + <p> + It was the Baroness. + </p> + <p> + Then the old crone turned fiercely upon the one-eyed Hans. “Thou fool!” + she cried, “why didst thou bring him here? Thou hast killed thy lady!” + </p> + <p> + “I did not know,” said the one-eyed Hans, stupidly. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + III. How the Baron came Home Shorn. + </h2> + <p> + But Baron Conrad was not dead. For days he lay upon his hard bed, now + muttering incoherent words beneath his red beard, now raving fiercely with + the fever of his wound. But one day he woke again to the things about him. + </p> + <p> + He turned his head first to the one side and then to the other; there sat + Schwartz Carl and the one-eyed Hans. Two or three other retainers stood by + a great window that looked out into the courtyard beneath, jesting and + laughing together in low tones, and one lay upon the heavy oaken bench + that stood along by the wall snoring in his sleep. + </p> + <p> + “Where is your lady?” said the Baron, presently; “and why is she not with + me at this time?” + </p> + <p> + The man that lay upon the bench started up at the sound of his voice, and + those at the window came hurrying to his bedside. But Schwartz Carl and + the one-eyed Hans looked at one another, and neither of them spoke. The + Baron saw the look and in it read a certain meaning that brought him to + his elbow, though only to sink back upon his pillow again with a groan. + </p> + <p> + “Why do you not answer me?” said he at last, in a hollow voice; then to + the one-eyed Hans, “Hast no tongue, fool, that thou standest gaping there + like a fish? Answer me, where is thy mistress?” + </p> + <p> + “I—I do not know,” stammered poor Hans. + </p> + <p> + For a while the Baron lay silently looking from one face to the other, + then he spoke again. “How long have I been lying here?” said he. + </p> + <p> + “A sennight, my lord,” said Master Rudolph, the steward, who had come into + the room and who now stood among the others at the bedside. + </p> + <p> + “A sennight,” repeated the Baron, in a low voice, and then to Master + Rudolph, “And has the Baroness been often beside me in that time?” Master + Rudolph hesitated. “Answer me,” said the Baron, harshly. + </p> + <p> + “Not—not often,” said Master Rudolph, hesitatingly. + </p> + <p> + The Baron lay silent for a long time. At last he passed his hands over his + face and held them there for a minute, then of a sudden, before anyone + knew what he was about to do, he rose upon his elbow and then sat upright + upon the bed. The green wound broke out afresh and a dark red spot grew + and spread upon the linen wrappings; his face was drawn and haggard with + the pain of his moving, and his eyes wild and bloodshot. Great drops of + sweat gathered and stood upon his forehead as he sat there swaying + slightly from side to side. + </p> + <p> + “My shoes,” said he, hoarsely. + </p> + <p> + Master Rudolph stepped forward. “But, my Lord Baron,” he began and then + stopped short, for the Baron shot him such a look that his tongue stood + still in his head. + </p> + <p> + Hans saw that look out of his one eye. Down he dropped upon his knees and, + fumbling under the bed, brought forth a pair of soft leathern shoes, which + he slipped upon the Baron’s feet and then laced the thongs above the + instep. + </p> + <p> + “Your shoulder,” said the Baron. He rose slowly to his feet, gripping Hans + in the stress of his agony until the fellow winced again. For a moment he + stood as though gathering strength, then doggedly started forth upon that + quest which he had set upon himself. + </p> + <p> + At the door he stopped for a moment as though overcome by his weakness, + and there Master Nicholas, his cousin, met him; for the steward had sent + one of the retainers to tell the old man what the Baron was about to do. + </p> + <p> + “Thou must go back again, Conrad,” said Master Nicholas; “thou art not fit + to be abroad.” + </p> + <p> + The Baron answered him never a word, but he glared at him from out of his + bloodshot eyes and ground his teeth together. Then he started forth again + upon his way. + </p> + <p> + Down the long hall he went, slowly and laboriously, the others following + silently behind him, then up the steep winding stairs, step by step, now + and then stopping to lean against the wall. So he reached a long and + gloomy passageway lit only by the light of a little window at the further + end. + </p> + <p> + He stopped at the door of one of the rooms that opened into this + passage-way, stood for a moment, then he pushed it open. + </p> + <p> + No one was within but old Ursela, who sat crooning over a fire with a + bundle upon her knees. She did not see the Baron or know that he was + there. + </p> + <p> + “Where is your lady?” said he, in a hollow voice. + </p> + <p> + Then the old nurse looked up with a start. “Jesu bless us,” cried she, and + crossed herself. + </p> + <p> + “Where is your lady?” said the Baron again, in the same hoarse voice; and + then, not waiting for an answer, “Is she dead?” + </p> + <p> + The old woman looked at him for a minute blinking her watery eyes, and + then suddenly broke into a shrill, long-drawn wail. The Baron needed to + hear no more. + </p> + <p> + As though in answer to the old woman’s cry, a thin piping complaint came + from the bundle in her lap. + </p> + <p> + At the sound the red blood flashed up into the Baron’s face. “What is that + you have there?” said he, pointing to the bundle upon the old woman’s + knees. + </p> + <p> + She drew back the coverings and there lay a poor, weak, little baby, that + once again raised its faint reedy pipe. + </p> + <p> + “It is your son,” said Ursela, “that the dear Baroness left behind her + when the holy angels took her to Paradise. She blessed him and called him + Otto before she left us.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + IV. The White Cross on the Hill. + </h2> + <p> + Here the glassy waters of the River Rhine, holding upon its bosom a mimic + picture of the blue sky and white clouds floating above, runs smoothly + around a jutting point of land, St. Michaelsburg, rising from the reedy + banks of the stream, sweeps up with a smooth swell until it cuts sharp and + clear against the sky. Stubby vineyards covered its earthy breast, and + field and garden and orchard crowned its brow, where lay the Monastery of + St. Michaelsburg—“The White Cross on the Hill.” There within the + white walls, where the warm yellow sunlight slept, all was peaceful + quietness, broken only now and then by the crowing of the cock or the + clamorous cackle of a hen, the lowing of kine or the bleating of goats, a + solitary voice in prayer, the faint accord of distant singing, or the + resonant toll of the monastery bell from the high-peaked belfry that + overlooked the hill and valley and the smooth, far-winding stream. No + other sounds broke the stillness, for in this peaceful haven was never + heard the clash of armor, the ring of iron-shod hoofs, or the hoarse call + to arms. + </p> + <p> + All men were not wicked and cruel and fierce in that dark, far-away age; + all were not robbers and terror-spreading tyrants, even in that time when + men’s hands were against their neighbors, and war and rapine dwelt in + place of peace and justice. + </p> + <p> + Abbot Otto, of St. Michaelsburg, was a gentle, patient, pale-faced old + man; his white hands were soft and smooth, and no one would have thought + that they could have known the harsh touch of sword-hilt and lance. And + yet, in the days of the Emperor Frederick—the grandson of the great + Red-beard—no one stood higher in the prowess of arms than he. But + all at once—for why, no man could tell—a change came over him, + and in the flower of his youth and fame and growing power he gave up + everything in life and entered the quiet sanctuary of that white monastery + on the hill-side, so far away from the tumult and the conflict of the + world in which he had lived. + </p> + <p> + Some said that it was because the lady he had loved had loved his brother, + and that when they were married Otto of Wolbergen had left the church with + a broken heart. + </p> + <p> + But such stories are old songs that have been sung before. + </p> + <p> + Clatter! clatter! Jingle! jingle! It was a full-armed knight that came + riding up the steep hill road that wound from left to right and right to + left amid the vineyards on the slopes of St. Michaelsburg. Polished helm + and corselet blazed in the noon sunlight, for no knight in those days + dared to ride the roads except in full armor. In front of him the solitary + knight carried a bundle wrapped in the folds of his coarse gray cloak. + </p> + <p> + It was a sorely sick man that rode up the heights of St. Michaelsburg. His + head hung upon his breast through the faintness of weariness and pain; for + it was the Baron Conrad. + </p> + <p> + He had left his bed of sickness that morning, had saddled his horse in the + gray dawn with his own hands, and had ridden away into the misty twilight + of the forest without the knowledge of anyone excepting the porter, who, + winking and blinking in the bewilderment of his broken slumber, had opened + the gates to the sick man, hardly knowing what he was doing, until he + beheld his master far away, clattering down the steep bridle-path. + </p> + <p> + Eight leagues had he ridden that day with neither a stop nor a stay; but + now at last the end of his journey had come, and he drew rein under the + shade of the great wooden gateway of St. Michaelsburg. + </p> + <p> + He reached up to the knotted rope and gave it a pull, and from within + sounded the answering ring of the porter’s bell. By and by a little wicket + opened in the great wooden portals, and the gentle, wrinkled face of old + Brother Benedict, the porter, peeped out at the strange iron-clad visitor + and the great black war-horse, streaked and wet with the sweat of the + journey, flecked and dappled with flakes of foam. A few words passed + between them, and then the little window was closed again; and within, the + shuffling pat of the sandalled feet sounded fainter and fainter, as + Brother Benedict bore the message from Baron Conrad to Abbot Otto, and the + mail-clad figure was left alone, sitting there as silent as a statue. + </p> + <p> + By and by the footsteps sounded again; there came a noise of clattering + chains and the rattle of the key in the lock, and the rasping of the bolts + dragged back. Then the gate swung slowly open, and Baron Conrad rode into + the shelter of the White Cross, and as the hoofs of his war-horse clashed + upon the stones of the courtyard within, the wooden gate swung slowly to + behind him. + </p> + <p> + Abbot Otto stood by the table when Baron Conrad entered the high-vaulted + room from the farther end. The light from the oriel window behind the old + man shed broken rays of light upon him, and seemed to frame his thin gray + hairs with a golden glory. His white, delicate hand rested upon the table + beside him, and upon some sheets of parchment covered with rows of ancient + Greek writing which he had been engaged in deciphering. + </p> + <p> + Clank! clank! clank! Baron Conrad strode across the stone floor, and then + stopped short in front of the good old man. + </p> + <p> + “What dost thou seek here, my son?” said the Abbot. + </p> + <p> + “I seek sanctuary for my son and thy brother’s grandson,” said the Baron + Conrad, and he flung back the folds of his cloak and showed the face of + the sleeping babe. + </p> + <p> + For a while the Abbot said nothing, but stood gazing dreamily at the baby. + After a while he looked up. “And the child’s mother,” said he—“what + hath she to say at this?” + </p> + <p> + “She hath naught to say,” said Baron Conrad, hoarsely, and then stopped + short in his speech. “She is dead,” said he, at last, in a husky voice, + “and is with God’s angels in paradise.” + </p> + <p> + The Abbot looked intently in the Baron’s face. “So!” said he, under his + breath, and then for the first time noticed how white and drawn was the + Baron’s face. “Art sick thyself?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Ay,” said the Baron, “I have come from death’s door. But that is no + matter. Wilt thou take this little babe into sanctuary? My house is a + vile, rough place, and not fit for such as he, and his mother with the + blessed saints in heaven.” And once more Conrad of Drachenhausen’s face + began twitching with the pain of his thoughts. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said the old man, gently, “he shall live here,” and he stretched + out his hands and took the babe. “Would,” said he, “that all the little + children in these dark times might be thus brought to the house of God, + and there learn mercy and peace, instead of rapine and war.” + </p> + <p> + For a while he stood looking down in silence at the baby in his arms, but + with his mind far away upon other things. At last he roused himself with a + start. “And thou,” said he to the Baron Conrad—“hath not thy heart + been chastened and softened by this? Surely thou wilt not go back to thy + old life of rapine and extortion?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” said Baron Conrad, gruffly, “I will rob the city swine no longer, + for that was the last thing that my dear one asked of me.” + </p> + <p> + The old Abbot’s face lit up with a smile. “I am right glad that thy heart + was softened, and that thou art willing at last to cease from war and + violence.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” cried the Baron, roughly, “I said nothing of ceasing from war. By + heaven, no! I will have revenge!” And he clashed his iron foot upon the + floor and clinched his fists and ground his teeth together. “Listen,” said + he, “and I will tell thee how my troubles happened. A fortnight ago I rode + out upon an expedition against a caravan of fat burghers in the valley of + Gruenhoffen. They outnumbered us many to one, but city swine such as they + are not of the stuff to stand against our kind for a long time. + Nevertheless, while the men-at-arms who guarded the caravan were staying + us with pike and cross-bow from behind a tree which they had felled in + front of a high bridge the others had driven the pack-horses off, so that + by the time we had forced the bridge they were a league or more away. We + pushed after them as hard as we were able, but when we came up with them + we found that they had been joined by Baron Frederick of Trutz-Drachen, to + whom for three years and more the burghers of Gruenstadt have been paying + a tribute for his protection against others. Then again they made a stand, + and this time the Baron Frederick himself was with them. But though the + dogs fought well, we were forcing them back, and might have got the better + of them, had not my horse stumbled upon a sloping stone, and so fell and + rolled over upon me. While I lay there with my horse upon me, Baron + Frederick ran me down with his lance, and gave me that foul wound that + came so near to slaying me—and did slay my dear wife. Nevertheless, + my men were able to bring me out from that press and away, and we had + bitten the Trutz-Drachen dogs so deep that they were too sore to follow + us, and so let us go our way in peace. But when those fools of mine + brought me to my castle they bore me lying upon a litter to my wife’s + chamber. There she beheld me, and, thinking me dead, swooned a + death-swoon, so that she only lived long enough to bless her new-born babe + and name it Otto, for you, her father’s brother. But, by heavens! I will + have revenge, root and branch, upon that vile tribe, the Roderburgs of + Trutz-Drachen. Their great-grandsire built that castle in scorn of Baron + Casper in the old days; their grandsire slew my father’s grandsire; Baron + Nicholas slew two of our kindred; and now this Baron Frederick gives me + that foul wound and kills my dear wife through my body.” Here the Baron + stopped short; then of a sudden, shaking his fist above his head, he cried + out in his hoarse voice: “I swear by all the saints in heaven, either the + red cock shall crow over the roof of Trutz-Drachen or else it shall crow + over my house! The black dog shall sit on Baron Frederick’s shoulders or + else he shall sit on mine!” Again he stopped, and fixing his blazing eyes + upon the old man, “Hearest thou that, priest?” said he, and broke into a + great boisterous laugh. + </p> + <p> + Abbot Otto sighed heavily, but he tried no further to persuade the other + into different thoughts. + </p> + <p> + “Thou art wounded,” said he, at last, in a gentle voice; “at least stay + here with us until thou art healed.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” said the Baron, roughly, “I will tarry no longer than to hear thee + promise to care for my child.” + </p> + <p> + “I promise,” said the Abbot; “but lay aside thy armor, and rest.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” said the Baron, “I go back again to-day.” + </p> + <p> + At this the Abbot cried out in amazement: “Sure thou, wounded man, would + not take that long journey without a due stay for resting! Think! Night + will be upon thee before thou canst reach home again, and the forests are + beset with wolves.” + </p> + <p> + The Baron laughed. “Those are not the wolves I fear,” said he. “Urge me no + further, I must return to-night; yet if thou hast a mind to do me a + kindness thou canst give me some food to eat and a flask of your golden + Michaelsburg; beyond these, I ask no further favor of any man, be he + priest or layman.” + </p> + <p> + “What comfort I can give thee thou shalt have,” said the Abbot, in his + patient voice, and so left the room to give the needful orders, bearing + the babe with him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0006" id="link2H_4_0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + V. How Otto Dwelt at St. Michaelsburg. + </h2> + <p> + So the poor, little, motherless waif lived among the old monks at the + White Cross on the hill, thriving and growing apace until he had reached + eleven or twelve years of age; a slender, fair-haired little fellow, with + a strange, quiet serious manner. + </p> + <p> + “Poor little child!” Old Brother Benedict would sometimes say to the + others, “poor little child! The troubles in which he was born must have + broken his wits like a glass cup. What think ye he said to me to-day? + ‘Dear Brother Benedict,’ said he, ‘dost thou shave the hair off of the top + of thy head so that the dear God may see thy thoughts the better?’ Think + of that now!” and the good old man shook with silent laughter. + </p> + <p> + When such talk came to the good Father Abbot’s ears, he smiled quietly to + himself. “It may be,” said he, “that the wisdom of little children flies + higher than our heavy wits can follow.” + </p> + <p> + At least Otto was not slow with his studies, and Brother Emmanuel, who + taught him his lessons, said more than once that, if his wits were cracked + in other ways, they were sound enough in Latin. + </p> + <p> + Otto, in a quaint, simple way which belonged to him, was gentle and + obedient to all. But there was one among the Brethren of St. Michaelsburg + whom he loved far above all the rest—Brother John, a poor + half-witted fellow, of some twenty-five or thirty years of age. When a + very little child, he had fallen from his nurse’s arms and hurt his head, + and as he grew up into boyhood, and showed that his wits had been addled + by his fall, his family knew not what else to do with him, and so sent him + off to the Monastery of St. Michaelsburg, where he lived his simple, + witless life upon a sort of sufferance, as though he were a tame, harmless + animal. + </p> + <p> + While Otto was still a little baby, he had been given into Brother John’s + care. Thereafter, and until Otto had grown old enough to care for himself, + poor Brother John never left his little charge, night or day. Oftentimes + the good Father Abbot, coming into the garden, where he loved to walk + alone in his meditations, would find the poor, simple Brother sitting + under the shade of the pear-tree, close to the bee-hives, rocking the + little baby in his arms, singing strange, crazy songs to it, and gazing + far away into the blue, empty sky with his curious, pale eyes. + </p> + <p> + Although, as Otto grew up into boyhood, his lessons and his tasks + separated him from Brother John, the bond between them seemed to grow + stronger rather than weaker. During the hours that Otto had for his own + they were scarcely ever apart. Down in the vineyard, where the monks were + gathering the grapes for the vintage, in the garden, or in the fields, the + two were always seen together, either wandering hand in hand, or seated in + some shady nook or corner. + </p> + <p> + But most of all they loved to lie up in the airy wooden belfry; the great + gaping bell hanging darkly above them, the mouldering cross-beams + glimmering far up under the dim shadows of the roof, where dwelt a great + brown owl that, unfrightened at their familiar presence, stared down at + them with his round, solemn eyes. Below them stretched the white walls of + the garden, beyond them the vineyard, and beyond that again the far + shining river, that seemed to Otto’s mind to lead into wonder-land. There + the two would lie upon the belfry floor by the hour, talking together of + the strangest things. + </p> + <p> + “I saw the dear Angel Gabriel again yester morn,” said Brother John. + </p> + <p> + “So!” says Otto, seriously; “and where was that?” + </p> + <p> + “It was out in the garden, in the old apple-tree,” said Brother John. “I + was walking there, and my wits were running around in the grass like a + mouse. What heard I but a wonderful sound of singing, and it was like the + hum of a great bee, only sweeter than honey. So I looked up into the tree, + and there I saw two sparks. I thought at first that they were two stars + that had fallen out of heaven; but what think you they were, little + child?” + </p> + <p> + “I do not know,” said Otto, breathlessly. + </p> + <p> + “They were angel’s eyes,” said Brother John; and he smiled in the + strangest way, as he gazed up into the blue sky. “So I looked at the two + sparks and felt happy, as one does in spring time when the cold weather is + gone, and the warm sun shines, and the cuckoo sings again. Then, + by-and-by, I saw the face to which the eyes belonged. First, it shone + white and thin like the moon in the daylight; but it grew brighter and + brighter, until it hurt one’s eyes to look at it, as though it had been + the blessed sun itself. Angel Gabriel’s hand was as white as silver, and + in it he held a green bough with blossoms, like those that grow on the + thorn bush. As for his robe, it was all of one piece, and finer than the + Father Abbot’s linen, and shone beside like the sunlight on pure snow. So + I knew from all these things that it was the blessed Angel Gabriel.” + </p> + <p> + “‘What do they say about this tree, Brother John?’ said he to me. + </p> + <p> + “‘They say it is dying, my Lord Angel,’ said I, ‘and that the gardener will + bring a sharp axe and cut it down.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘And what dost thou say about it, Brother John?’ said he. + </p> + <p> + “‘I also say yes, and that it is dying,’ said I. + </p> + <p> + “At that he smiled until his face shone so bright that I had to shut my + eyes. + </p> + <p> + “‘Now I begin to believe, Brother John, that thou art as foolish as men + say,’ said he. ‘Look, till I show thee.’ And thereat I opened mine eyes + again. + </p> + <p> + “Then Angel Gabriel touched the dead branches with the flowery twig that + he held in his hand, and there was the dead wood all covered with green + leaves, and fair blossoms and beautiful apples as yellow as gold. Each + smelling more sweetly than a garden of flowers, and better to the taste + than white bread and honey. + </p> + <p> + “‘They are souls of the apples,’ said the good Angel, ‘and they can never + wither and die.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Then I’ll tell the gardener that he shall not cut the tree down,’ said + I. + </p> + <p> + “‘No, no,’ said the dear Gabriel, ‘that will never do, for if the tree is + not cut down here on the earth, it can never be planted in paradise.’” + </p> + <p> + Here Brother John stopped short in his story, and began singing one of his + crazy songs, as he gazed with his pale eyes far away into nothing at all. + </p> + <p> + “But tell me, Brother John,” said little Otto, in a hushed voice, “what + else did the good Angel say to thee?” + </p> + <p> + Brother John stopped short in his song and began looking from right to + left, and up and down, as though to gather his wits. + </p> + <p> + “So!” said he, “there was something else that he told me. Tschk! If I + could but think now. Yes, good! This is it—‘Nothing that has lived,’ + said he, ‘shall ever die, and nothing that has died shall ever live.’” + </p> + <p> + Otto drew a deep breath. “I would that I might see the beautiful Angel + Gabriel sometime,” said he; but Brother John was singing again and did not + seem to hear what he said. + </p> + <p> + Next to Brother John, the nearest one to the little child was the good + Abbot Otto, for though he had never seen wonderful things with the eyes of + his soul, such as Brother John’s had beheld, and so could not tell of + them, he was yet able to give little Otto another pleasure that no one + else could give. + </p> + <p> + He was a great lover of books, the old Abbot, and had under lock and key + wonderful and beautiful volumes, bound in hog-skin and metal, and with + covers inlaid with carved ivory, or studded with precious stones. But + within these covers, beautiful as they were, lay the real wonder of the + books, like the soul in the body; for there, beside the black letters and + initials, gay with red and blue and gold, were beautiful pictures painted + upon the creamy parchment. Saints and Angels, the Blessed Virgin with the + golden oriole about her head, good St. Joseph, the three Kings; the simple + Shepherds kneeling in the fields, while Angels with glories about their + brow called to the poor Peasants from the blue sky above. But, most + beautiful of all was the picture of the Christ Child lying in the manger, + with the mild-eyed Kine gazing at him. + </p> + <p> + Sometimes the old Abbot would unlock the iron-bound chest where these + treasures lay hidden, and carefully and lovingly brushing the few grains + of dust from them, would lay them upon the table beside the oriel window + in front of his little namesake, allowing the little boy freedom to turn + the leaves as he chose. + </p> + <p> + Always it was one picture that little Otto sought; the Christ Child in the + manger, with the Virgin, St. Joseph, the Shepherds, and the Kine. And as + he would hang breathlessly gazing and gazing upon it, the old Abbot would + sit watching him with a faint, half-sad smile flickering around his thin + lips and his pale, narrow face. + </p> + <p> + It was a pleasant, peaceful life, but by-and-by the end came. Otto was now + nearly twelve years old. + </p> + <p> + One bright, clear day, near the hour of noon, little Otto heard the + porter’s bell sounding below in the court-yard—dong! dong! Brother + Emmanuel had been appointed as the boy’s instructor, and just then Otto + was conning his lessons in the good monk’s cell. Nevertheless, at the + sound of the bell he pricked up his ears and listened, for a visitor was a + strange matter in that out-of-the-way place, and he wondered who it could + be. So, while his wits wandered his lessons lagged. + </p> + <p> + “Postera Phoeba lustrabat lampade terras,” continued Brother Emmanuel, + inexorably running his horny finger-nail beneath the line, “humentemque + Aurora polo dimoverat umbram—” the lesson dragged along. + </p> + <p> + Just then a sandaled footstep sounded without, in the stone corridor, and + a light tap fell upon Brother Emmanuel’s door. It was Brother Ignatius, + and the Abbot wished little Otto to come to the refectory. + </p> + <p> + As they crossed the court-yard Otto stared to see a group of mail-clad + men-at-arms, some sitting upon their horses, some standing by the + saddle-bow. “Yonder is the young baron,” he heard one of them say in a + gruff voice, and thereupon all turned and stared at him. + </p> + <p> + A stranger was in the refectory, standing beside the good old Abbot, while + food and wine were being brought and set upon the table for his + refreshment; a great, tall, broad-shouldered man, beside whom the Abbot + looked thinner and slighter than ever. + </p> + <p> + The stranger was clad all in polished and gleaming armor, of plate and + chain, over which was drawn a loose robe of gray woollen stuff, reaching + to the knees and bound about the waist by a broad leathern sword-belt. + Upon his arm he carried a great helmet which he had just removed from his + head. His face was weather-beaten and rugged, and on lip and chin was a + wiry, bristling beard; once red, now frosted with white. + </p> + <p> + Brother Ignatius had bidden Otto to enter, and had then closed the door + behind him; and now, as the lad walked slowly up the long room, he gazed + with round, wondering blue eyes at the stranger. + </p> + <p> + “Dost know who I am, Otto? said the mail-clad knight, in a deep, growling + voice. + </p> + <p> + “Methinks you are my father, sir,” said Otto. + </p> + <p> + “Aye, thou art right,” said Baron Conrad, “and I am glad to see that these + milk-churning monks have not allowed thee to forget me, and who thou art + thyself.” + </p> + <p> + “An’ it please you,” said Otto, “no one churneth milk here but Brother + Fritz; we be makers of wine and not makers of butter, at St. + Michaelsburg.” + </p> + <p> + Baron Conrad broke into a great, loud laugh, but Abbot Otto’s sad and + thoughtful face lit up with no shadow of an answering smile. + </p> + <p> + “Conrad,” said he, turning to the other, “again let me urge thee; do not + take the child hence, his life can never be your life, for he is not + fitted for it. I had thought,” said he, after a moment’s pause, “I had + thought that thou hadst meant to consecrate him—this motherless one—to + the care of the Universal Mother Church.” + </p> + <p> + “So!” said the Baron, “thou hadst thought that, hadst thou? Thou hadst + thought that I had intended to deliver over this boy, the last of the + Vuelphs, to the arms of the Church? What then was to become of our name + and the glory of our race if it was to end with him in a monastery? No, + Drachenhausen is the home of the Vuelphs, and there the last of the race + shall live as his sires have lived before him, holding to his rights by + the power and the might of his right hand.” + </p> + <p> + The Abbot turned and looked at the boy, who was gaping in simple wide-eyed + wonderment from one to the other as they spoke. + </p> + <p> + “And dost thou think, Conrad,” said the old man, in his gentle, patient + voice, “that that poor child can maintain his rights by the strength of + his right hand?” + </p> + <p> + The Baron’s look followed the Abbot’s, and he said nothing. + </p> + <p> + In the few seconds of silence that followed, little Otto, in his simple + mind, was wondering what all this talk portended. Why had his father come + hither to St. Michaelsburg, lighting up the dim silence of the monastery + with the flash and ring of his polished armor? Why had he talked about + churning butter but now, when all the world knew that the monks of St. + Michaelsburg made wine. + </p> + <p> + It was Baron Conrad’s deep voice that broke the little pause of silence. + </p> + <p> + “If you have made a milkmaid of the boy,” he burst out at last, “I thank + the dear heaven that there is yet time to undo your work and to make a man + of him.” + </p> + <p> + The Abbot sighed. “The child is yours, Conrad,” said he, “the will of the + blessed saints be done. Mayhap if he goes to dwell at Drachenhausen he may + make you the better instead of you making him the worse.” + </p> + <p> + Then light came to the darkness of little Otto’s wonderment; he saw what + all this talk meant and why his father had come hither. He was to leave + the happy, sunny silence of the dear White Cross, and to go out into that + great world that he had so often looked down upon from the high windy + belfry on the steep hillside. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0007" id="link2H_4_0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VI. How Otto Lived in the Dragon’s House. + </h2> + <p> + The gates of the Monastery stood wide open, the world lay beyond, and all + was ready for departure. Baron Conrad and his men-at-arms sat foot in + stirrup, the milk-white horse that had been brought for Otto stood waiting + for him beside his father’s great charger. + </p> + <p> + “Farewell, Otto,” said the good old Abbot, as he stooped and kissed the + boy’s cheek. + </p> + <p> + “Farewell,” answered Otto, in his simple, quiet way, and it brought a pang + to the old man’s heart that the child should seem to grieve so little at + the leave-taking. + </p> + <p> + “Farewell, Otto,” said the brethren that stood about, “farewell, + farewell.” + </p> + <p> + Then poor brother John came forward and took the boy’s hand, and looked up + into his face as he sat upon his horse. “We will meet again,” said he, + with his strange, vacant smile, “but maybe it will be in Paradise, and + there perhaps they will let us lie in the father’s belfry, and look down + upon the angels in the court-yard below.” + </p> + <p> + “Aye,” answered Otto, with an answering smile. + </p> + <p> + “Forward,” cried the Baron, in a deep voice, and with a clash of hoofs and + jingle of armor they were gone, and the great wooden gates were shut to + behind them. + </p> + <p> + Down the steep winding pathway they rode, and out into the great wide + world beyond, upon which Otto and brother John had gazed so often from the + wooden belfry of the White Cross on the hill. + </p> + <p> + “Hast been taught to ride a horse by the priests up yonder on + Michaelsburg?” asked the Baron, when they had reached the level road. + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” said Otto; “we had no horse to ride, but only to bring in the + harvest or the grapes from the further vineyards to the vintage.” + </p> + <p> + “Prut,” said the Baron, “methought the abbot would have had enough of the + blood of old days in his veins to have taught thee what is fitting for a + knight to know; art not afeared?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” said Otto, with a smile, “I am not afeared.” + </p> + <p> + “There at least thou showest thyself a Vuelph,” said the grim Baron. But + perhaps Otto’s thought of fear and Baron Conrad’s thought of fear were two + very different matters. + </p> + <p> + The afternoon had passed by the time they had reached the end of their + journey. Up the steep, stony path they rode to the drawbridge and the + great gaping gateway of Drachenhausen, where wall and tower and battlement + looked darker and more forbidding than ever in the gray twilight of the + coming night. Little Otto looked up with great, wondering, awe-struck eyes + at this grim new home of his. + </p> + <p> + The next moment they clattered over the drawbridge that spanned the narrow + black gulph between the roadway and the wall, and the next were past the + echoing arch of the great gateway and in the gray gloaming of the paved + court-yard within. + </p> + <p> + Otto looked around upon the many faces gathered there to catch the first + sight of the little baron; hard, rugged faces, seamed and weather-beaten; + very different from those of the gentle brethren among whom he had lived, + and it seemed strange to him that there was none there whom he should + know. + </p> + <p> + As he climbed the steep, stony steps to the door of the Baron’s house, old + Ursela came running down to meet him. She flung her withered arms around + him and hugged him close to her. “My little child,” she cried, and then + fell to sobbing as though her heart would break. + </p> + <p> + “Here is someone knoweth me,” thought the little boy. + </p> + <p> + His new home was all very strange and wonderful to Otto; the armors, the + trophies, the flags, the long galleries with their ranges of rooms, the + great hall below with its vaulted roof and its great fireplace of + grotesquely carved stone, and all the strange people with their lives and + thoughts so different from what he had been used to know. + </p> + <p> + And it was a wonderful thing to explore all the strange places in the dark + old castle; places where it seemed to Otto no one could have ever been + before. + </p> + <p> + Once he wandered down a long, dark passageway below the hall, pushed open + a narrow, iron-bound oaken door, and found himself all at once in a + strange new land; the gray light, coming in through a range of tall, + narrow windows, fell upon a row of silent, motionless figures carven in + stone, knights and ladies in strange armor and dress; each lying upon his + or her stony couch with clasped hands, and gazing with fixed, motionless, + stony eyeballs up into the gloomy, vaulted arch above them. There lay, in + a cold, silent row, all of the Vuelphs who had died since the ancient + castle had been built. + </p> + <p> + It was the chapel into which Otto had made his way, now long since fallen + out of use excepting as a burial place of the race. + </p> + <p> + At another time he clambered up into the loft under the high peaked roof, + where lay numberless forgotten things covered with the dim dust of years. + There a flock of pigeons had made their roost, and flapped noisily out + into the sunlight when he pushed open the door from below. Here he hunted + among the mouldering things of the past until, oh, joy of joys! in an + ancient oaken chest he found a great lot of worm-eaten books, that had + belonged to some old chaplain of the castle in days gone by. They were not + precious and beautiful volumes, such as the Father Abbot had showed him, + but all the same they had their quaint painted pictures of the blessed + saints and angels. + </p> + <p> + Again, at another time, going into the court-yard, Otto had found the door + of Melchior’s tower standing invitingly open, for old Hilda, Schwartz + Carl’s wife, had come down below upon some business or other. + </p> + <p> + Then upon the shaky wooden steps Otto ran without waiting for a second + thought, for he had often gazed at those curious buildings hanging so far + up in the air, and had wondered what they were like. Round and round and + up and up Otto climbed, until his head spun. At last he reached a + landing-stage, and gazing over the edge and down, beheld the stone + pavement far, far below, lit by a faint glimmer of light that entered + through the arched doorway. Otto clutched tight hold of the wooden rail, + he had no thought that he had climbed so far. + </p> + <p> + Upon the other side of the landing was a window that pierced the thick + stone walls of the tower; out of the window he looked, and then drew + suddenly back again with a gasp, for it was through the outer wall he + peered, and down, down below in the dizzy depths he saw the hard gray + rocks, where the black swine, looking no larger than ants in the distance, + fed upon the refuse thrown out over the walls of the castle. There lay the + moving tree-tops like a billowy green sea, and the coarse thatched roofs + of the peasant cottages, round which crawled the little children like tiny + human specks. + </p> + <p> + Then Otto turned and crept down the stairs, frightened at the height to + which he had climbed. + </p> + <p> + At the doorway he met Mother Hilda. “Bless us,” she cried, starting back + and crossing herself, and then, seeing who it was, ducked him a courtesy + with as pleasant a smile as her forbidding face, with its little deep-set + eyes, was able to put upon itself. + </p> + <p> + Old Ursela seemed nearer to the boy than anyone else about the castle, + excepting it was his father, and it was a newfound delight to Otto to sit + beside her and listen to her quaint stories, so different from the monkish + tales that he had heard and read at the monastery. + </p> + <p> + But one day it was a tale of a different sort that she told him, and one + that opened his eyes to what he had never dreamed of before. + </p> + <p> + The mellow sunlight fell through the window upon old Ursela, as she sat in + the warmth with her distaff in her hands while Otto lay close to her feet + upon a bear skin, silently thinking over the strange story of a brave + knight and a fiery dragon that she had just told him. Suddenly Ursela + broke the silence. + </p> + <p> + “Little one,” said she, “thou art wondrously like thy own dear mother; + didst ever hear how she died?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” said Otto, “but tell me, Ursela, how it was.” + </p> + <p> + “Tis strange,” said the old woman, “that no one should have told thee in + all this time.” And then, in her own fashion she related to him the story + of how his father had set forth upon that expedition in spite of all that + Otto’s mother had said, beseeching him to abide at home; how he had been + foully wounded, and how the poor lady had died from her fright and grief. + </p> + <p> + Otto listened with eyes that grew wider and wider, though not all with + wonder; he no longer lay upon the bear skin, but sat up with his hands + clasped. For a moment or two after the old woman had ended her story, he + sat staring silently at her. Then he cried out, in a sharp voice, “And is + this truth that you tell me, Ursela? and did my father seek to rob the + towns people of their goods?” + </p> + <p> + Old Ursela laughed. “Aye,” said she, “that he did and many times. Ah! me, + those days are all gone now.” And she fetched a deep sigh. “Then we lived + in plenty and had both silks and linens and velvets besides in the store + closets and were able to buy good wines and live in plenty upon the best. + Now we dress in frieze and live upon what we can get, and sometimes that is + little enough, with nothing better than sour beer to drink. But there is + one comfort in it all, and that is that our good Baron paid back the score + he owed the Trutz-Drachen people not only for that, but for all that they + had done from the very first.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon she went on to tell Otto how Baron Conrad had fulfilled the + pledge of revenge that he had made Abbot Otto, how he had watched day + after day until one time he had caught the Trutz-Drachen folk, with Baron + Frederick at their head, in a narrow defile back of the Kaiserburg; of the + fierce fight that was there fought; of how the Roderburgs at last fled, + leaving Baron Frederick behind them wounded; of how he had kneeled before + the Baron Conrad, asking for mercy, and of how Baron Conrad had answered, + “Aye, thou shalt have such mercy as thou deservest,” and had therewith + raised his great two-handed sword and laid his kneeling enemy dead at one + blow. + </p> + <p> + Poor little Otto had never dreamed that such cruelty and wickedness could + be. He listened to the old woman’s story with gaping horror, and when the + last came and she told him, with a smack of her lips, how his father had + killed his enemy with his own hand, he gave a gasping cry and sprang to + his feet. Just then the door at the other end of the chamber was noisily + opened, and Baron Conrad himself strode into the room. Otto turned his + head, and seeing who it was, gave another cry, loud and quavering, and ran + to his father and caught him by the hand. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, father!” he cried, “oh, father! Is it true that thou hast killed a + man with thy own hand?” + </p> + <p> + “Aye,” said the Baron, grimly, “it is true enough, and I think me I have + killed many more than one. But what of that, Otto? Thou must get out of + those foolish notions that the old monks have taught thee. Here in the + world it is different from what it is at St. Michaelsburg; here a man must + either slay or be slain.” + </p> + <p> + But poor little Otto, with his face hidden in his father’s robe, cried as + though his heart would break. “Oh, father!” he said, again and again, “it + cannot be—it cannot be that thou who art so kind to me should have + killed a man with thine own hands.” Then: “I wish that I were back in the + monastery again; I am afraid out here in the great wide world; perhaps + somebody may kill me, for I am only a weak little boy and could not save + my own life if they chose to take it from me.” + </p> + <p> + Baron Conrad looked down upon Otto all this while, drawing his bushy + eyebrows together. Once he reached out his hand as though to stroke the + boy’s hair, but drew it back again. + </p> + <p> + Turning angrily upon the old woman, “Ursela,” said he, “thou must tell the + child no more such stories as these; he knowest not at all of such things + as yet. Keep thy tongue busy with the old woman’s tales that he loves to + hear thee tell, and leave it with me to teach him what becometh a true + knight and a Vuelph.” + </p> + <p> + That night the father and son sat together beside the roaring fire in the + great ball. “Tell me, Otto,” said the Baron, “dost thou hate me for having + done what Ursela told thee today that I did?” + </p> + <p> + Otto looked for a while into his father’s face. “I know not,” said he at + last, in his quaint, quiet voice, “but methinks that I do not hate thee + for it.” + </p> + <p> + The Baron drew his bushy brows together until his eyes twinkled out of the + depths beneath them, then of a sudden he broke into a great loud laugh, + smiting his horny palm with a smack upon his thigh. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0008" id="link2H_4_0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VII. The Red Cock Crows on Drachenhausen. + </h2> + <p> + There was a new emperor in Germany who had come from a far away Swiss + castle; Count Rudolph of Hapsburg, a good, honest man with a good, honest, + homely face, but bringing with him a stern sense of justice and of right, + and a determination to put down the lawlessness of the savage German + barons among whom he had come as Emperor. + </p> + <p> + One day two strangers came galloping up the winding path to the gates of + the Dragon’s house. A horn sounded thin and clear, a parley was held + across the chasm in the road between the two strangers and the porter who + appeared at the little wicket. Then a messenger was sent running to the + Baron, who presently came striding across the open court-yard to the + gateway to parley with the strangers. + </p> + <p> + The two bore with them a folded parchment with a great red seal hanging + from it like a clot of blood; it was a message from the Emperor demanding + that the Baron should come to the Imperial Court to answer certain charges + that had been brought against him, and to give his bond to maintain the + peace of the empire. + </p> + <p> + One by one those barons who had been carrying on their private wars, or + had been despoiling the burgher folk in their traffic from town to town, + and against whom complaint had been lodged, were summoned to the Imperial + Court, where they were compelled to promise peace and to swear allegiance + to the new order of things. All those who came willingly were allowed to + return home again after giving security for maintaining the peace; all + those who came not willingly were either brought in chains or rooted out + of their strongholds with fire and sword, and their roofs burned over + their heads. + </p> + <p> + Now it was Baron Conrad’s turn to be summoned to the Imperial Court, for + complaint had been lodged against him by his old enemy of Trutz-Drachen—Baron + Henry—the nephew of the old Baron Frederick who had been slain while + kneeling in the dust of the road back of the Kaiserburg. + </p> + <p> + No one at Drachenhausen could read but Master Rudolph, the steward, who + was sand blind, and little Otto. So the boy read the summons to his + father, while the grim Baron sat silent with his chin resting upon his + clenched fist and his eyebrows drawn together into a thoughtful frown as + he gazed into the pale face of his son, who sat by the rude oaken table + with the great parchment spread out before him. + </p> + <p> + Should he answer the summons, or scorn it as he would have done under the + old emperors? Baron Conrad knew not which to do; pride said one thing and + policy another. The Emperor was a man with an iron hand, and Baron Conrad + knew what had happened to those who had refused to obey the imperial + commands. So at last he decided that he would go to the court, taking with + him a suitable escort to support his dignity. + </p> + <p> + It was with nearly a hundred armed men clattering behind him that Baron + Conrad rode away to court to answer the imperial summons. The castle was + stripped of its fighting men, and only eight remained behind to guard the + great stone fortress and the little simple-witted boy. + </p> + <p> + It was a sad mistake. + </p> + <p> + Three days had passed since the Baron had left the castle, and now the + third night had come. The moon was hanging midway in the sky, white and + full, for it was barely past midnight. + </p> + <p> + The high precipitous banks of the rocky road threw a dense black shadow + into the gully below, and in that crooked inky line that scarred the white + face of the moonlit rocks a band of some thirty men were creeping slowly + and stealthily nearer and nearer to Castle Drachenhausen. At the head of + them was a tall, slender knight clad in light chain armor, his head + covered only by a steel cap or bascinet. + </p> + <p> + Along the shadow they crept, with only now and then a faint clink or + jingle of armor to break the stillness, for most of those who followed the + armed knight were clad in leathern jerkins; only one or two wearing even + so much as a steel breast-plate by way of armor. + </p> + <p> + So at last they reached the chasm that yawned beneath the roadway, and + there they stopped, for they had reached the spot toward which they had + been journeying. It was Baron Henry of Trutz-Drachen who had thus come in + the silence of the night time to the Dragon’s house, and his visit boded + no good to those within. + </p> + <p> + The Baron and two or three of his men talked together in low tones, now + and then looking up at the sheer wall that towered above them. + </p> + <p> + “Yonder is the place, Lord Baron,” said one of those who stood with him. + “I have scanned every foot of the wall at night for a week past. An we get + not in by that way, we get not in at all. A keen eye, a true aim, and a + bold man are all that we need, and the business is done.” Here again all + looked upward at the gray wall above them, rising up in the silent night + air. + </p> + <p> + High aloft hung the wooden bartizan or watch-tower, clinging to the face + of the outer wall and looming black against the pale sky above. Three + great beams pierced the wall, and upon them the wooden tower rested. The + middle beam jutted out beyond the rest to the distance of five or six + feet, and the end of it was carved into the rude semblance of a dragon’s + head. + </p> + <p> + “So, good,” said the Baron at last; “then let us see if thy plan holds, + and if Hans Schmidt’s aim is true enough to earn the three marks that I + have promised him. Where is the bag?” + </p> + <p> + One of those who stood near handed the Baron a leathern pouch, the Baron + opened it and drew out a ball of fine thread, another of twine, a coil of + stout rope, and a great bundle that looked, until it was unrolled, like a + coarse fish-net. It was a rope ladder. While these were being made ready, + Hans Schmidt, a thick-set, low-browed, broad-shouldered archer, strung his + stout bow, and carefully choosing three arrows from those in his quiver, + he stuck them point downward in the earth. Unwinding the ball of thread, + he laid it loosely in large loops upon the ground so that it might run + easily without hitching, then he tied the end of the thread tightly around + one of his arrows. He fitted the arrow to the bow and drew the feather to + his ear. Twang! rang the bowstring, and the feathered messenger flew + whistling upon its errand to the watch-tower. The very first shaft did the + work. + </p> + <p> + “Good,” said Hans Schmidt, the archer, in his heavy voice, “the three + marks are mine, Lord Baron.” + </p> + <p> + The arrow had fallen over and across the jutting beam between the carved + dragon’s head and the bartizan, carrying with it the thread, which now + hung from above, glimmering white in the moonlight like a cobweb. + </p> + <p> + The rest was an easy task enough. First the twine was drawn up to and over + the beam by the thread, then the rope was drawn up by the twine, and last + of all the rope ladder by the rope. There it hung like a thin, slender + black line against the silent gray walls. + </p> + <p> + “And now,” said the Baron, “who will go first and win fifty marks for his + own, and climb the rope ladder to the tower yonder?” Those around + hesitated. “Is there none brave enough to venture?” said the Baron, after + a pause of silence. + </p> + <p> + A stout, young fellow, of about eighteen years of age, stepped forward and + flung his flat leathern cap upon the ground. “I will go, my Lord Baron,” + said he. + </p> + <p> + “Good,” said the Baron, “the fifty marks are thine. And now listen, if + thou findest no one in the watch-tower, whistle thus; if the watchman be + at his post, see that thou makest all safe before thou givest the signal. + When all is ready the others will follow thee. And now go and good luck go + with thee.” + </p> + <p> + The young fellow spat upon his hands and, seizing the ropes, began slowly + and carefully to mount the flimsy, shaking ladder. Those below held it as + tight as they were able, but nevertheless he swung backward and forward + and round and round as he climbed steadily upward. Once he stopped upon + the way, and those below saw him clutch the ladder close to him as though + dizzied by the height and the motion but he soon began again, up, up, up + like some great black spider. Presently he came out from the black shadow + below and into the white moonlight, and then his shadow followed him step + by step up the gray wall upon his way. At last he reached the jutting + beam, and there again he stopped for a moment clutching tightly to it. The + next he was upon the beam, dragging himself toward the window of the + bartizan just above. Slowly raising himself upon his narrow foothold he + peeped cautiously within. Those watching him from below saw him slip his + hand softly to his side, and then place something between his teeth. It + was his dagger. Reaching up, he clutched the window sill above him and, + with a silent spring, seated himself upon it. The next moment he + disappeared within. A few seconds of silence followed, then of sudden a + sharp gurgling cry broke the stillness. There was another pause of + silence, then a faint shrill whistle sounded from above. + </p> + <p> + “Who will go next?” said the Baron. It was Hans Schmidt who stepped + forward. Another followed the arch up the ladder, and another, and + another. Last of all went the Baron Henry himself, and nothing was left + but the rope ladder hanging from above, and swaying back and forth in the + wind. + </p> + <p> + That night Schwartz Carl had been bousing it over a pot of yellow wine in + the pantry with his old crony, Master Rudolph, the steward; and the two, + chatting and gossiping together, had passed the time away until long after + the rest of the castle had been wrapped in sleep. Then, perhaps a little + unsteady upon his feet, Schwartz Carl betook himself homeward to the + Melchior tower. + </p> + <p> + He stood for a while in the shadow of the doorway, gazing up into the pale + sky above him at the great, bright, round moon, that hung like a bubble + above the sharp peaks of the roofs standing black as ink against the sky. + But all of a sudden he started up from the post against which he had been + leaning, and with head bent to one side, stood listening breathlessly, for + he too had heard that smothered cry from the watch-tower. So he stood + intently, motionlessly, listening, listening; but all was silent except + for the monotonous dripping of water in one of the nooks of the + court-yard, and the distant murmur of the river borne upon the breath of + the night air. “Mayhap I was mistaken,” muttered Schwartz Carl to himself. + </p> + <p> + But the next moment the silence was broken again by a faint, shrill + whistle; what did it mean? + </p> + <p> + Back of the heavy oaken door of the tower was Schwartz Carl’s cross-bow, + the portable windlass with which the bowstring was drawn back, and a pouch + of bolts. Schwartz Carl reached back into the darkness, fumbling in the + gloom until his fingers met the weapon. Setting his foot in the iron + stirrup at the end of the stock, he wound the stout bow-string into the + notch of the trigger, and carefully fitted the heavy, murderous-looking + bolt into the groove. + </p> + <p> + Minute after minute passed, and Schwartz Carl, holding his arbelast in his + hand, stood silently waiting and watching in the sharp-cut, black shadow + of the doorway, motionless as a stone statue. Minute after minute passed. + Suddenly there was a movement in the shadow of the arch of the great + gateway across the court-yard, and the next moment a leathern-clad figure + crept noiselessly out upon the moonlit pavement, and stood there + listening, his head bent to one side. Schwartz Carl knew very well that it + was no one belonging to the castle, and, from the nature of his action, + that he was upon no good errand. + </p> + <p> + He did not stop to challenge the suspicious stranger. The taking of + another’s life was thought too small a matter for much thought or care in + those days. Schwartz Carl would have shot a man for a much smaller reason + than the suspicious actions of this fellow. The leather-clad figure stood + a fine target in the moonlight for a cross-bow bolt. Schwartz Carl slowly + raised the weapon to his shoulder and took a long and steady aim. Just + then the stranger put his fingers to his lips and gave a low, shrill + whistle. It was the last whistle that he was to give upon this earth. + There was a sharp, jarring twang of the bow-string, the hiss of the flying + bolt, and the dull thud as it struck its mark. The man gave a shrill, + quavering cry, and went staggering back, and then fell all of a heap + against the wall behind him. As though in answer to the cry, half a dozen + men rushed tumultuously out from the shadow of the gateway whence the + stranger had just come, and then stood in the court-yard, looking + uncertainly this way and that, not knowing from what quarter the stroke + had come that had laid their comrade low. + </p> + <p> + But Schwartz Carl did not give them time to discover that; there was no + chance to string his cumbersome weapon again; down he flung it upon the + ground. “To arms!” he roared in a voice of thunder, and then clapped to + the door of Melchior’s tower and shot the great iron bolts with a clang + and rattle. + </p> + <p> + The next instant the Trutz-Drachen men were thundering at the door, but + Schwartz Carl was already far up the winding steps. + </p> + <p> + But now the others came pouring out from the gateway. “To the house,” + roared Baron Henry. + </p> + <p> + Then suddenly a clashing, clanging uproar crashed out upon the night. + Dong! Dong! It was the great alarm bell from Melchior’s tower—Schwartz + Carl was at his post. + </p> + <p> + Little Baron Otto lay sleeping upon the great rough bed in his room, + dreaming of the White Cross on the hill and of brother John. By and by he + heard the convent bell ringing, and knew that there must be visitors at + the gate, for loud voices sounded through his dream. Presently he knew + that he was coming awake, but though the sunny monastery garden grew + dimmer and dimmer to his sleeping sight, the clanging of the bell and the + sound of shouts grew louder and louder. Then he opened his eyes. Flaming + red lights from torches, carried hither and thither by people in the + court-yard outside, flashed and ran along the wall of his room. Hoarse + shouts and cries filled the air, and suddenly the shrill, piercing shriek + of a woman rang from wall to wall; and through the noises the great bell + from far above upon Melchior’s tower clashed and clanged its harsh, + resonant alarm. + </p> + <p> + Otto sprang from his bed and looked out of the window and down upon the + court-yard below. “Dear God! what dreadful thing hath happened?” he cried + and clasped his hands together. + </p> + <p> + A cloud of smoke was pouring out from the windows of the building across + the court-yard, whence a dull ruddy glow flashed and flickered. Strange + men were running here and there with flaming torches, and the now + continuous shrieking of women pierced the air. + </p> + <p> + Just beneath the window lay the figure of a man half naked and face + downward upon the stones. Then suddenly Otto cried out in fear and horror, + for, as he looked with dazed and bewildered eyes down into the lurid + court-yard beneath, a savage man, in a shining breast-plate and steel cap, + came dragging the dark, silent figure of a woman across the stones; but + whether she was dead or in a swoon, Otto could not tell. + </p> + <p> + And every moment the pulsing of that dull red glare from the windows of + the building across the court-yard shone more brightly, and the glare from + other flaming buildings, which Otto could not see from his window, turned + the black, starry night into a lurid day. + </p> + <p> + Just then the door of the room was burst open, and in rushed poor old + Ursela, crazy with her terror. She flung herself down upon the floor and + caught Otto around the knees. “Save me!” she cried, “save me!” as though + the poor, pale child could be of any help to her at such a time. In the + passageway without shone the light of torches, and the sound of loud + footsteps came nearer and nearer. + </p> + <p> + And still through all the din sounded continually the clash and clang and + clamor of the great alarm bell. + </p> + <p> + The red light flashed into the room, and in the doorway stood a tall, thin + figure clad from head to foot in glittering chain armor. From behind this + fierce knight, with his dark, narrow, cruel face, its deep-set eyes + glistening in the light of the torches, crowded six or eight savage, + low-browed, brutal men, who stared into the room and at the white-faced + boy as he stood by the window with the old woman clinging to his knees and + praying to him for help. + </p> + <p> + “We have cracked the nut and here is the kernel,” said one of them who + stood behind the rest, and thereupon a roar of brutal laughter went up. + But the cruel face of the armed knight never relaxed into a smile; he + strode into the room and laid his iron hand heavily upon the boy’s + shoulder. “Art thou the young Baron Otto?” said he, in a harsh voice. + </p> + <p> + “Aye,” said the lad; “but do not kill me.” + </p> + <p> + The knight did not answer him. “Fetch the cord hither,” said he, “and drag + the old witch away.” + </p> + <p> + It took two of them to loosen poor old Ursela’s crazy clutch from about + her young master. Then amid roars of laughter they dragged her away, + screaming and scratching and striking with her fists. + </p> + <p> + They drew back Otto’s arms behind his back and wrapped them round and + round with a bowstring. Then they pushed and hustled and thrust him forth + from the room and along the passageway, now bright with the flames that + roared and crackled without. Down the steep stairway they drove him, where + thrice he stumbled and fell amid roars of laughter. At last they were out + into the open air of the court-yard. Here was a terrible sight, but Otto + saw nothing of it; his blue eyes were gazing far away, and his lips moved + softly with the prayer that the good monks of St. Michaelsburg had taught + him, for he thought that they meant to slay him. + </p> + <p> + All around the court-yard the flames roared and snapped and crackled. Four + or five figures lay scattered here and there, silent in all the glare and + uproar. The heat was so intense that they were soon forced back into the + shelter of the great gateway, where the women captives, under the guard of + three or four of the Trutz-Drachen men, were crowded together in dumb, + bewildered terror. Only one man was to be seen among the captives, poor, + old, half blind Master Rudolph, the steward, who crouched tremblingly + among the women. + </p> + <p> + They had set the blaze to Melchior’s tower, and now, below, it was a + seething furnace. Above, the smoke rolled in black clouds from the + windows, but still the alarm bell sounded through all the blaze and + smoke. Higher and higher the flames rose; a trickle of fire ran along the + frame buildings hanging aloft in the air. A clear flame burst out at the + peak of the roof, but still the bell rang forth its clamorous clangor. + Presently those who watched below saw the cluster of buildings bend and + sink and sway; there was a crash and roar, a cloud of sparks flew up as + though to the very heavens themselves, and the bell of Melchior’s tower + was stilled forever. A great shout arose from the watching, upturned + faces. + </p> + <p> + “Forward!” cried Baron Henry, and out from the gateway they swept and + across the drawbridge, leaving Drachenhausen behind them a flaming furnace + blazing against the gray of the early dawning. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0009" id="link2H_4_0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VIII. In the House of the Dragon Scorner. + </h2> + <p> + Tall, narrow, gloomy room; no furniture but a rude bench, a bare stone + floor, cold stone walls and a gloomy ceiling of arched stone over head; a + long, narrow slit of a window high above in the wall, through the iron + bars of which Otto could see a small patch of blue sky and now and then a + darting swallow, for an instant seen, the next instant gone. Such was the + little baron’s prison in Trutz-Drachen. Fastened to a bolt and hanging + against the walls, hung a pair of heavy chains with gaping fetters at the + ends. They were thick with rust, and the red stain of the rust streaked + the wall below where they hung like a smear of blood. Little Otto + shuddered as he looked at them; can those be meant for me, he thought. + </p> + <p> + Nothing was to be seen but that one patch of blue sky far up in the wall. + No sound from without was to be heard in that gloomy cell of stone, for + the window pierced the outer wall, and the earth and its noises lay far + below. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly a door crashed without, and the footsteps of men were heard + coming along the corridor. They stopped in front of Otto’s cell; he heard + the jingle of keys, and then a loud rattle of one thrust into the lock of + the heavy oaken door. The rusty bolt was shot back with a screech, the + door opened, and there stood Baron Henry, no longer in his armor, but clad + in a long black robe that reached nearly to his feet, a broad leather belt + was girdled about his waist, and from it dangled a short, heavy hunting + sword. + </p> + <p> + Another man was with the Baron, a heavy-faced fellow clad in a leathern + jerkin over which was drawn a short coat of linked mail. + </p> + <p> + The two stood for a moment looking into the room, and Otto, his pale face + glimmering in the gloom, sat upon the edge of the heavy wooden bench or + bed, looking back at them out of his great blue eyes. Then the two entered + and closed the door behind them. + </p> + <p> + “Dost thou know why thou art here?” said the Baron, in his deep, harsh + voice. + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” said Otto, “I know not.” + </p> + <p> + “So?” said the Baron. “Then I will tell thee. Three years ago the good + Baron Frederick, my uncle, kneeled in the dust and besought mercy at thy + father’s hands; the mercy he received was the coward blow that slew him. + Thou knowest the story?” + </p> + <p> + “Aye,” said Otto, tremblingly, “I know it.” + </p> + <p> + “Then dost thou not know why I am here?” said the Baron. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, dear Lord Baron, I know not,” said poor little Otto, and began to + weep. + </p> + <p> + The Baron stood for a moment or two looking gloomily upon him, as the + little boy sat there with the tears running down his white face. + </p> + <p> + “I will tell thee,” said he, at last; “I swore an oath that the red cock + should crow on Drachenhausen, and I have given it to the dames. I swore an + oath that no Vuelph that ever left my hands should be able to strike such + a blow as thy father gave to Baron Frederick, and now I will fulfil that + too. Catch the boy, Casper, and hold him.” + </p> + <p> + As the man in the mail shirt stepped toward little Otto, the boy leaped up + from where he sat and caught the Baron about the knees. “Oh! dear Lord + Baron,” he cried, “do not harm me; I am only a little child, I have never + done harm to thee; do not harm me.” + </p> + <p> + “Take him away,” said the Baron, harshly. + </p> + <p> + The fellow stooped, and loosening Otto’s hold, in spite of his struggles + and cries, carried him to the bench, against which he held him, whilst the + Baron stood above him. + </p> + <p> + Baron Henry and the other came forth from the cell, carefully closing the + wooden door behind them. At the end of the corridor the Baron turned, “Let + the leech be sent to the boy,” said he. And then he turned and walked + away. + </p> + <p> + Otto lay upon the hard couch in his cell, covered with a shaggy bear skin. + His face was paler and thinner than ever, and dark rings encircled his + blue eyes. He was looking toward the door, for there was a noise of + someone fumbling with the lock without. + </p> + <p> + Since that dreadful day when Baron Henry had come to his cell, only two + souls had visited Otto. One was the fellow who had come with the Baron + that time; his name, Otto found, was Casper. He brought the boy his rude + meals of bread and meat and water. The other visitor was the leech or + doctor, a thin, weasand little man, with a kindly, wrinkled face and a + gossiping tongue, who, besides binding wounds, bleeding, and leeching, and + administering his simple remedies to those who were taken sick in the + castle, acted as the Baron’s barber. + </p> + <p> + The Baron had left the key in the lock of the door, so that these two + might enter when they chose, but Otto knew that it was neither the one nor + the other whom he now heard at the door, working uncertainly with the key, + striving to turn it in the rusty, cumbersome lock. At last the bolts + grated back, there was a pause, and then the door opened a little way, and + Otto thought that he could see someone peeping in from without. By and by + the door opened further, there was another pause, and then a slender, + elfish-looking little girl, with straight black hair and shining black + eyes, crept noiselessly into the room. + </p> + <p> + She stood close by the door with her finger in her mouth, staring at the + boy where he lay upon his couch, and Otto upon his part lay, full of + wonder, gazing back upon the little elfin creature. + </p> + <p> + She, seeing that he made no sign or motion, stepped a little nearer, and + then, after a moment’s pause, a little nearer still, until, at last, she + stood within a few feet of where he lay. + </p> + <p> + “Art thou the Baron Otto?” said she. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” answered Otto. + </p> + <p> + “Prut!” said she, “and is that so! Why, I thought that thou wert a great + tall fellow at least, and here thou art a little boy no older than Carl + Max, the gooseherd.” Then, after a little pause—“My name is Pauline, + and my father is the Baron. I heard him tell my mother all about thee, and + so I wanted to come here and see thee myself: Art thou sick?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Otto, “I am sick.” + </p> + <p> + “And did my father hurt thee?” + </p> + <p> + “Aye,” said Otto, and his eyes filled with tears, until one sparkling drop + trickled slowly down his white face. + </p> + <p> + Little Pauline stood looking seriously at him for a while. “I am sorry for + thee, Otto,” said she, at last. And then, at her childish pity, he began + crying in earnest. + </p> + <p> + This was only the first visit of many from the little maid, for after that + she often came to Otto’s prison, who began to look for her coming from day + to day as the one bright spot in the darkness and the gloom. + </p> + <p> + Sitting upon the edge of his bed and gazing into his face with wide open + eyes, she would listen to him by the hour, as he told her of his life in + that far away monastery home; of poor, simple brother John’s wonderful + visions, of the good Abbot’s books with their beautiful pictures, and of + all the monkish tales and stories of knights and dragons and heroes and + emperors of ancient Rome, which brother Emmanuel had taught him to read in + the crabbed monkish Latin in which they were written. + </p> + <p> + One day the little maid sat for a long while silent after he had ended + speaking. At last she drew a deep breath. “And are all these things that + thou tellest me about the priests in their castle really true?” said she. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Otto, “all are true.” + </p> + <p> + “And do they never go out to fight other priests?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Otto, “they know nothing of fighting.” + </p> + <p> + “So!” said she. And then fell silent in the thought of the wonder of it + all, and that there should be men in the world that knew nothing of + violence and bloodshed; for in all the eight years of her life she had + scarcely been outside of the walls of Castle Trutz-Drachen. + </p> + <p> + At another time it was of Otto’s mother that they were speaking. + </p> + <p> + “And didst thou never see her, Otto?” said the little girl. + </p> + <p> + “Aye,” said Otto, “I see her sometimes in my dreams, and her face always + shines so bright that I know she is an angel; for brother John has often + seen the dear angels, and he tells me that their faces always shine in + that way. I saw her the night thy father hurt me so, for I could not sleep + and my head felt as though it would break asunder. Then she came and + leaned over me and kissed my forehead, and after that I fell asleep.” + </p> + <p> + “But where did she come from, Otto?” said the little girl. + </p> + <p> + “From paradise, I think,” said Otto, with that patient seriousness that he + had caught from the monks, and that sat so quaintly upon him. + </p> + <p> + “So!” said little Pauline; and then, after a pause, “That is why thy + mother kissed thee when thy head ached—because she is an angel. When + I was sick my mother bade Gretchen carry me to a far part of the house, + because I cried and so troubled her. Did thy mother ever strike thee, + Otto?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” said Otto. + </p> + <p> + “Mine hath often struck me,” said Pauline. + </p> + <p> + One day little Pauline came bustling into Otto’s cell, her head full of + the news which she carried. “My father says that thy father is out in the + woods somewhere yonder, back of the castle, for Fritz, the swineherd, told + my father that last night he had seen a fire in the woods, and that he had + crept up to it without anyone knowing. There he had seen the Baron Conrad + and six of his men, and that they were eating one of the swine that they + had killed and roasted. Maybe,” said she, seating herself upon the edge of + Otto’s couch; “maybe my father will kill thy father, and they will bring + him here and let him lie upon a black bed with bright candles burning + around him, as they did my uncle Frederick when he was killed.” + </p> + <p> + “God forbid!” said Otto, and then lay for a while with his hands clasped. + “Dost thou love me, Pauline?” said he, after a while. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Pauline, “for thou art a good child, though my father says + that thy wits are cracked.” + </p> + <p> + “Mayhap they are,” said Otto, simply, “for I have often been told so + before. But thou wouldst not see me die, Pauline; wouldst thou?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” said Pauline, “I would not see thee die, for then thou couldst tell + me no more stories; for they told me that uncle Frederick could not speak + because he was dead.” + </p> + <p> + “Then listen, Pauline,” said Otto; “if I go not away from here I shall + surely die. Every day I grow more sick and the leech cannot cure me.” Here + he broke down and, turning his face upon the couch, began crying, while + little Pauline sat looking seriously at him. + </p> + <p> + “Why dost thou cry, Otto?” said she, after a while. + </p> + <p> + “Because,” said he, “I am so sick, and I want my father to come and take + me away from here.” + </p> + <p> + “But why dost thou want to go away?” said Pauline. “If thy father takes + thee away, thou canst not tell me any more stories.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I can,” said Otto, “for when I grow to be a man I will come again + and marry thee, and when thou art my wife I can tell thee all the stories + that I know. Dear Pauline, canst thou not tell my father where I am, that + he may come here and take me away before I die?” + </p> + <p> + “Mayhap I could do so,” said Pauline, after a little while, “for sometimes + I go with Casper Max to see his mother, who nursed me when I was a baby. + She is the wife of Fritz, the swineherd, and she will make him tell thy + father; for she will do whatever I ask of her, and Fritz will do whatever + she bids him do.” + </p> + <p> + “And for my sake, wilt thou tell him, Pauline?” said Otto. + </p> + <p> + “But see, Otto,” said the little girl, “if I tell him, wilt thou promise + to come indeed and marry me when thou art grown a man?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Otto, very seriously, “I will promise.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I will tell thy father where thou art,” said she. + </p> + <p> + “But thou wilt do it without the Baron Henry knowing, wilt thou not, + Pauline?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said she, “for if my father and my mother knew that I did such a + thing, they would strike me, mayhap send me to my bed alone in the dark.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0010" id="link2H_4_0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + IX. How One-eyed Hans came to Trutz-Drachen. + </h2> + <p> + Fritz, the swineherd, sat eating his late supper of porridge out of a + great, coarse, wooden bowl; wife Katherine sat at the other end of the + table, and the half-naked little children played upon the earthen floor. A + shaggy dog lay curled up in front of the fire, and a grunting pig + scratched against a leg of the rude table close beside where the woman + sat. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes,” said Katherine, speaking of the matter of which they had + already been talking. “It is all very true that the Drachenhausens are a + bad lot, and I for one am of no mind to say no to that; all the same it is + a sad thing that a simple-witted little child like the young Baron should + be so treated as the boy has been; and now that our Lord Baron has served + him so that he, at least, will never be able to do us harm, I for one say + that he should not be left there to die alone in that black cell.” + </p> + <p> + Fritz, the swineherd, gave a grunt at this without raising his eyes from + the bowl. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, good,” said Katherine, “I know what thou meanest, Fritz, and that it + is none of my business to be thrusting my finger into the Baron’s dish. + But to hear the way that dear little child spoke when she was here this + morn—it would have moved a heart of stone to hear her tell of all + his pretty talk. Thou wilt try to let the red-beard know that that poor + boy, his son, is sick to death in the black cell; wilt thou not, Fritz?” + </p> + <p> + The swineherd dropped his wooden spoon into the bowl with a clatter. + “Potstausand!” he cried; “art thou gone out of thy head to let thy wits + run upon such things as this of which thou talkest to me? If it should + come to our Lord Baron’s ears he would cut the tongue from out thy head + and my head from off my shoulders for it. Dost thou think I am going to + meddle in such a matter as this? Listen! these proud Baron folk, with + their masterful ways, drive our sort hither and thither; they beat us, + they drive us, they kill us as they choose. Our lives are not as much to + them as one of my black swine. Why should I trouble my head if they choose + to lop and trim one another? The fewer there are of them the better for + us, say I. We poor folk have a hard enough life of it without thrusting + our heads into the noose to help them out of their troubles. What thinkest + thou would happen to us if Baron Henry should hear of our betraying his + affairs to the Red-beard?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” said Katherine, “thou hast naught to do in the matter but to tell + the Red-beard in what part of the castle the little Baron lies.” + </p> + <p> + “And what good would that do?” said Fritz, the swineherd. + </p> + <p> + “I know not,” said Katherine, “but I have promised the little one that + thou wouldst find the Baron Conrad and tell him that much.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou hast promised a mare’s egg,” said her husband, angrily. “How shall I + find the Baron Conrad to bear a message to him, when our Baron has been + looking for him in vain for two days past?” + </p> + <p> + “Thou has found him once and thou mayst find him again,” said Katherine, + “for it is not likely that he will keep far away from here whilst his boy + is in such sore need of help.” + </p> + <p> + “I will have nothing to do with it!” said Fritz, and he got up from the + wooden block whereon he was sitting and stumped out of the house. But, + then, Katherine had heard him talk in that way before, and knew, in spite + of his saying “no,” that, sooner or later, he would do as she wished. + </p> + <p> + Two days later a very stout little one-eyed man, clad in a leathern jerkin + and wearing a round leathern cap upon his head, came toiling up the path + to the postern door of Trutz-Drachen, his back bowed under the burthen of + a great peddler’s pack. It was our old friend the one-eyed Hans, though + even his brother would hardly have known him in his present guise, for, + besides having turned peddler, he had grown of a sudden surprisingly fat. + </p> + <p> + Rap-tap-tap! He knocked at the door with a knotted end of the crooked + thorned staff upon which he leaned. He waited for a while and then knocked + again—rap-tap-tap! + </p> + <p> + Presently, with a click, a little square wicket that pierced the door was + opened, and a woman’s face peered out through the iron bars. + </p> + <p> + The one-eyed Hans whipped off his leathern cap. + </p> + <p> + “Good day, pretty one,” said he, “and hast thou any need of glass beads, + ribbons, combs, or trinkets? Here I am come all the way from Gruenstadt, + with a pack full of such gay things as thou never laid eyes on before. + Here be rings and bracelets and necklaces that might be of pure silver and + set with diamonds and rubies, for anything that thy dear one could tell if + he saw thee decked in them. And all are so cheap that thou hast only to + say, ‘I want them,’ and they are thine.” + </p> + <p> + The frightened face at the window looked from right to left and from left + to right. “Hush,” said the girl, and laid her finger upon her lips. + “There! thou hadst best get away from here, poor soul, as fast as thy legs + can carry thee, for if the Lord Baron should find thee here talking + secretly at the postern door, he would loose the wolf-hounds upon thee.” + </p> + <p> + “Prut,” said one-eyed Hans, with a grin, “the Baron is too big a fly to + see such a little gnat as I; but wolf-hounds or no wolf-hounds, I can + never go hence without showing thee the pretty things that I have brought + from the town, even though my stay be at the danger of my own hide.” + </p> + <p> + He flung the pack from off his shoulders as he spoke and fell to + unstrapping it, while the round face of the lass (her eyes big with + curiosity) peered down at him through the grated iron bars. + </p> + <p> + Hans held up a necklace of blue and white beads that glistened like jewels + in the sun, and from them hung a gorgeous filigree cross. “Didst thou ever + see a sweeter thing than this?” said he; “and look, here is a comb that + even the silversmith would swear was pure silver all the way through.” + Then, in a soft, wheedling voice, “Canst thou not let me in, my little + bird? Sure there are other lasses besides thyself who would like to trade + with a poor peddler who has travelled all the way from Gruenstadt just to + please the pretty ones of Trutz-Drachen.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” said the lass, in a frightened voice, “I cannot let thee in; I know + not what the Baron would do to me, even now, if he knew that I was here + talking to a stranger at the postern;” and she made as if she would clap + to the little window in his face; but the one-eyed Hans thrust his staff + betwixt the bars and so kept the shutter open. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay,” said he, eagerly, “do not go away from me too soon. Look, dear + one; seest thou this necklace?” + </p> + <p> + “Aye,” said she, looking hungrily at it. + </p> + <p> + “Then listen; if thou wilt but let me into the castle, so that I may + strike a trade, I will give it to thee for thine own without thy paying a + barley corn for it.” + </p> + <p> + The girl looked and hesitated, and then looked again; the temptation was + too great. There was a noise of softly drawn bolts and bars, the door was + hesitatingly opened a little way, and, in a twinkling, the one-eyed Hans + had slipped inside the castle, pack and all. + </p> + <p> + “The necklace,” said the girl, in a frightened whisper. + </p> + <p> + Hans thrust it into her hand. “It’s thine,” said he, “and now wilt thou + not help me to a trade?” + </p> + <p> + “I will tell my sister that thou art here,” said she, and away she ran + from the little stone hallway, carefully bolting and locking the further + door behind her. + </p> + <p> + The door that the girl had locked was the only one that connected the + postern hail with the castle. + </p> + <p> + The one-eyed Hans stood looking after her. “Thou fool!” he muttered to + himself, “to lock the door behind thee. What shall I do next, I should + like to know? Here am I just as badly off as I was when I stood outside + the walls. Thou hussy! If thou hadst but let me into the castle for only + two little minutes, I would have found somewhere to have hidden myself + while thy back was turned. But what shall I do now?” He rested his pack + upon the floor and stood looking about him. + </p> + <p> + Built in the stone wall opposite to him, was a high, narrow fireplace + without carving of any sort. As Hans’ one eye wandered around the bare + stone space, his glance fell at last upon it, and there it rested. For a + while he stood looking intently at it, presently he began rubbing his hand + over his bristling chin in a thoughtful, meditative manner. Finally he + drew a deep breath, and giving himself a shake as though to arouse himself + from his thoughts, and after listening a moment or two to make sure that + no one was nigh, he walked softly to the fireplace, and stooping, peered + up the chimney. Above him yawned a black cavernous depth, inky with the + soot of years. Hans straightened himself, and tilting his leathern cap to + one side, began scratching his bullet-head; at last he drew a long breath. + “Yes, good,” he muttered to himself; “he who jumps into the river must + e’en swim the best he can. It is a vile, dirty place to thrust one’s self; + but I am in for it now, and must make the best of a lame horse.” + </p> + <p> + He settled the cap more firmly upon his head, spat upon his hands, and + once more stooping in the fireplace, gave a leap, and up the chimney he + went with a rattle of loose mortar and a black trickle of soot. + </p> + <p> + By and by footsteps sounded outside the door. There was a pause; a hurried + whispering of women’s voices; the twitter of a nervous laugh, and then the + door was pushed softly opens and the girl to whom the one-eyed Hans had + given the necklace of blue and white beads with the filigree cross hanging + from it, peeped uncertainly into the room. Behind her broad, heavy face + were three others, equally homely and stolid; for a while all four stood + there, looking blankly into the room and around it. Nothing was there but + the peddler’s knapsack lying in the middle of the floor-the man was gone. + The light of expectancy slowly faded Out of the girl’s face, and in its + place succeeded first bewilderment and then dull alarm. “But, dear + heaven,” she said, “where then has the peddler man gone?” + </p> + <p> + A moment or two of silence followed her speech. “Perhaps,” said one of the + others, in a voice hushed with awe, “perhaps it was the evil one himself + to whom thou didst open the door.” + </p> + <p> + Again there was a hushed and breathless pause; it was the lass who had let + Hans in at the postern, who next spoke. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said she, in a voice trembling with fright at what she had done, + “yes, it must have been the evil one, for now I remember he had but one + eye.” The four girls crossed themselves, and their eyes grew big and round + with the fright. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly a shower of mortar came rattling down the chimney. “Ach!” cried + the four, as with one voice. Bang! the door was clapped to and away they + scurried like a flock of frightened rabbits. + </p> + <p> + When Jacob, the watchman, came that way an hour later, upon his evening + round of the castle, he found a peddler’s knapsack lying in the middle of + the floor. He turned it over with his pike-staff and saw that it was full + of beads and trinkets and ribbons. + </p> + <p> + “How came this here?” said he. And then, without waiting for the answer + which he did not expect, he flung it over his shoulder and marched away + with it. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0011" id="link2H_4_0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + X. How Hans Brought Terror to the Kitchen. + </h2> + <p> + Hans found himself in a pretty pickle in the chimney, for the soot got + into his one eye and set it to watering, and into his nose and set him to + sneezing, and into his mouth and his ears and his hair. But still he + struggled on, up and up; “for every chimney has a top,” said Hans to + himself “and I am sure to climb out somewhere or other.” Suddenly he came + to a place where another chimney joined the one he was climbing, and here + he stopped to consider the matter at his leisure. “See now,” he muttered, + “if I still go upward I may come out at the top of some tall chimney-stack + with no way of getting down outside. Now, below here there must be a + fire-place somewhere, for a chimney does not start from nothing at all; + yes, good! we will go down a while and see what we make of that.” + </p> + <p> + It was a crooked, zigzag road that he had to travel, and rough and hard + into the bargain. His one eye tingled and smarted, and his knees and + elbows were rubbed to the quick; nevertheless One-eyed Hans had been in + worse trouble than this in his life. + </p> + <p> + Down he went and down he went, further than he had climbed upward before. + “Sure, I must be near some place or other,” he thought. + </p> + <p> + As though in instant answer to his thoughts, he heard the sudden sound of + a voice so close beneath him that he stopped short in his downward + climbing and stood as still as a mouse, with his heart in his mouth. A few + inches more and he would have been discovered;—what would have + happened then would have been no hard matter to foretell. + </p> + <p> + Hans braced his back against one side of the chimney, his feet against the + other and then, leaning forward, looked down between his knees. The gray + light of the coming evening glimmered in a wide stone fireplace just below + him. Within the fireplace two people were moving about upon the broad + hearth, a great, fat woman and a shock-headed boy. The woman held a spit + with two newly trussed fowls upon it, so that One-eyed Hans knew that she + must be the cook. + </p> + <p> + “Thou ugly toad,” said the woman to the boy, “did I not bid thee make a + fire an hour ago? and now, here there is not so much as a spark to roast + the fowls withall, and they to be basted for the lord Baron’s supper. + Where hast thou been for all this time?” + </p> + <p> + “No matter,” said the boy, sullenly, as he laid the fagots ready for the + lighting; “no matter, I was not running after Long Jacob, the bowman, to + try to catch him for a sweetheart, as thou hast been doing.” + </p> + <p> + The reply was instant and ready. The cook raised her hand; “smack!” she + struck and a roar from the scullion followed. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, good,” thought Hans, as he looked down upon them; “I am glad that + the boy’s ear was not on my head.” + </p> + <p> + “Now give me no more of thy talk,” said the woman, “but do the work that + thou hast been bidden.” Then—“How came all this black soot here, I + should like to know?” + </p> + <p> + “How should I know?” snuffled the scullion, “mayhap thou wouldst blame + that on me also?” + </p> + <p> + “That is my doing,” whispered Hans to himself; “but if they light the + fire, what then becomes of me?” + </p> + <p> + “See now,” said the cook; “I go to make the cakes ready; if I come back + and find that thou hast not built the fire, I will warm thy other ear for + thee.” + </p> + <p> + “So,” thought Hans; “then will be my time to come down the chimney, for + there will be but one of them.” + </p> + <p> + The next moment he heard the door close and knew that the cook had gone to + make the cakes ready as she said. And as he looked down he saw that the + boy was bending over the bundle of fagots, blowing the spark that he had + brought in upon the punk into a flame. The dry fagots began to crackle and + blaze. “Now is my time,” said Hans to himself. Bracing his elbows against + each side of the chimney, he straightened his legs so that he might fall + clear. His motions loosened little shower of soot that fell rattling upon + the fagots that were now beginning to blaze brightly, whereupon the boy + raised his face and looked up. Hans loosened his hold upon the chimney; + crash! he fell, lighting upon his feet in the midst of the burning fagots. + The scullion boy tumbled backward upon the floor, where he lay upon the + broad of his back with a face as white as dough and eyes and mouth agape, + staring speechlessly at the frightful inky-black figure standing in the + midst of the flames and smoke. Then his scattered wits came back to him. + “It is the evil one,” he roared. And thereupon, turning upon his side, he + half rolled, half scrambled to the door. Then out he leaped and, banging + it to behind him, flew down the passageway, yelling with fright and never + daring once to look behind him. + </p> + <p> + All the time One-eyed Hans was brushing away the sparks that clung to his + clothes. He was as black as ink from head to foot with the soot from the + chimney. + </p> + <p> + “So far all is good,” he muttered to himself, “but if I go wandering about + in my sooty shoes I will leave black tracks to follow me, so there is + nothing to do but e’en to go barefoot.” + </p> + <p> + He stooped and drawing the pointed soft leather shoes from his feet, he + threw them upon the now blazing fagots, where they writhed and twisted and + wrinkled, and at last burst into a flame. Meanwhile Hans lost no time; he + must find a hiding-place, and quickly, if he would yet hope to escape. A + great bread trough stood in the corner of the kitchen—a + hopper-shaped chest with a flat lid. It was the best hiding place that the + room afforded. Without further thought Hans ran to it, snatching up from + the table as he passed a loaf of black bread and a bottle half full of + stale wine, for he had had nothing to eat since that morning. Into the + great bread trough he climbed, and drawing the lid down upon him, curled + himself up as snugly as a mouse in its nest. + </p> + <p> + For a while the kitchen lay in silence, but at last the sound of voices + was heard at the door, whispering together in low tones. Suddenly the door + was flung open and a tall, lean, lantern-jawed fellow, clad in rough + frieze, strode into the room and stood there glaring with half frightened + boldness around about him; three or four women and the trembling scullion + crowded together in a frightened group behind him. + </p> + <p> + The man was Long Jacob, the bowman; but, after all, his boldness was all + wasted, for not a thread or a hair was to be seen, but only the crackling + fire throwing its cheerful ruddy glow upon the wall of the room, now + rapidly darkening in the falling gray of the twilight without. + </p> + <p> + The fat cook’s fright began rapidly to turn into anger. + </p> + <p> + “Thou imp,” she cried, “it is one of thy tricks,” and she made a dive for + the scullion, who ducked around the skirts of one of the other women and + so escaped for the time; but Long Jacob wrinkled up his nose and sniffed. + “Nay,” said he, “me thinks that there lieth some truth in the tale that + the boy hath told, for here is a vile smell of burned horn that the black + one hath left behind him.” + </p> + <p> + It was the smell from the soft leather shoes that Hans had burned. + </p> + <p> + The silence of night had fallen over the Castle of Trutz-Drachen; not a + sound was heard but the squeaking of mice scurring behind the wainscoting, + the dull dripping of moisture from the eaves, or the sighing of the night + wind around the gables and through the naked windows of the castle. + </p> + <p> + The lid of the great dough trough was softly raised, and a face, black + with soot, peeped cautiously out from under it. Then little by little + arose a figure as black as the face; and One-eyed Hans stepped out upon + the floor, stretching and rubbing himself. + </p> + <p> + “Methinks I must have slept,” he muttered. “Hui, I am as stiff as a new + leather doublet, and now, what next is to become of me? I hope my luck may + yet stick to me, in spite of this foul black soot!” + </p> + <p> + Along the middle of the front of the great hall of the castle, ran a long + stone gallery, opening at one end upon the court-yard by a high flight of + stone steps. A man-at-arms in breast-plate and steel cap, and bearing a + long pike, paced up and down the length of this gallery, now and then + stopping, leaning over the edge, and gazing up into the starry sky above; + then, with a long drawn yawn, lazily turning back to the monotonous watch + again. + </p> + <p> + A dark figure crept out from an arched doorway at the lower part of the + long straight building, and some little distance below the end gallery, + but the sentry saw nothing of it, for his back was turned. As silently and + as stealthily as a cat the figure crawled along by the dark shadowy wall, + now and then stopping, and then again creeping slowly forward toward the + gallery where the man-at-arms moved monotonously up and down. It was + One-eyed Hans in his bare feet. + </p> + <p> + Inch by inch, foot by foot—the black figure crawled along in the + angle of the wall; inch by inch and foot by foot, but ever nearer and + nearer to the long straight row of stone steps that led to the covered + gallery. At last it crouched at the lowest step of the flight. Just then + the sentinel upon watch came to the very end of the gallery and stood + there leaning upon his spear. Had he looked down below he could not have + failed to have seen One-eyed Hans lying there motionlessly; but he was + gazing far away over the steep black roofs beyond, and never saw the + unsuspected presence. Minute after minute passed, and the one stood there + looking out into the night and the other lay crouching by the wall; then + with a weary sigh the sentry turned and began slowly pacing back again + toward the farther end of the gallery. + </p> + <p> + Instantly the motionless figure below arose and glided noiselessly and + swiftly up the flight of steps. + </p> + <p> + Two rude stone pillars flanked either side of the end of the gallery. Like + a shadow the black figure slipped behind one of these, flattening itself + up against the wall, where it stood straight and motionless as the shadows + around it. + </p> + <p> + Down the long gallery came the watchman, his sword clinking loudly in the + silence as he walked, tramp, tramp, tramp! clink, clank, jingle. + </p> + <p> + Within three feet of the motionless figure behind the pillar he turned, + and began retracing his monotonous steps. Instantly the other left the + shadow of the post and crept rapidly and stealthily after him. One step, + two steps the sentinel took; for a moment the black figure behind him + seemed to crouch and draw together, then like a flash it leaped forward + upon its victim. + </p> + <p> + A shadowy cloth fell upon the man’s face, and in an instant he was flung + back and down with a muffled crash upon the stones. Then followed a fierce + and silent struggle in the darkness, but strong and sturdy as the man was, + he was no match for the almost superhuman strength of One-eyed Hans. The + cloth which he had flung over his head was tied tightly and securely. Then + the man was forced upon his face and, in spite of his fierce struggles, + his arms were bound around and around with strong fine cord; next his feet + were bound in the same way, and the task was done. Then Hans stood upon + his feet, and wiped the sweat from his swarthy forehead. “Listen, + brother,” he whispered, and as he spoke he stooped and pressed something + cold and hard against the neck of the other. “Dost thou know the feel of + this? It is a broad dagger, and if thou dost contrive to loose that gag + from thy mouth and makest any outcry, it shall be sheathed in thy + weasand.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, he thrust the knife back again into its sheath, then stooping + and picking up the other, he flung him across his shoulder like a sack, + and running down the steps as lightly as though his load was nothing at + all, he carried his burden to the arched doorway whence he had come a + little while before. There, having first stripped his prisoner of all his + weapons, Hans sat the man up in the angle of the wall. “So, brother;” said + he, “now we can talk with more ease than we could up yonder. I will tell + thee frankly why I am here; it is to find where the young Baron Otto of + Drachenhausen is kept. If thou canst tell me, well and good; if not, I + must e’en cut thy weasand and find me one who knoweth more. Now, canst + thou tell me what I would learn, brother?” + </p> + <p> + The other nodded dimly in the darkness. + </p> + <p> + “That is good,” said Hans, “then I will loose thy gag until thou hast told + me; only bear in mind what I said concerning my dagger.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon, he unbound his prisoner, and the fellow slowly rose to his + feet. He shook himself and looked all about him in a heavy, bewildered + fashion, as though he had just awakened from a dream. + </p> + <p> + His right hand slid furtively down to his side, but the dagger-sheath was + empty. + </p> + <p> + “Come, brother!” said Hans, impatiently, “time is passing, and once lost + can never be found again. Show me the way to the young Baron Otto or—.” + And he whetted the shining blade of his dagger on his horny palm. + </p> + <p> + The fellow needed no further bidding; turning, he led the way, and + together they were swallowed up in the yawning shadows, and again the hush + of night-time lay upon the Castle of Trutz-Drachen. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0012" id="link2H_4_0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XI. How Otto was Saved. + </h2> + <p> + Little Otto was lying upon the hard couch in his cell, tossing in restless + and feverish sleep; suddenly a heavy hand was laid upon him and a voice + whispered in his ear, “Baron, Baron Otto, waken, rouse yourself; I am come + to help you. I am One-eyed Hans.” + </p> + <p> + Otto was awake in an instant and raised himself upon his elbow in the + darkness. “One-eyed Hans,” he breathed, “One-eyed Hans; who is One-eyed + Hans?” + </p> + <p> + “True,” said the other, “thou dost not know me. I am thy father’s trusted + servant, and am the only one excepting his own blood and kin who has clung + to him in this hour of trouble. Yes, all are gone but me alone, and so I + have come to help thee away from this vile place.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, dear, good Hans! if only thou canst!” cried Otto; “if only thou canst + take me away from this wicked place. Alas, dear Hans! I am weary and sick + to death.” And poor little Otto began to weep silently in the darkness. + </p> + <p> + “Aye, aye,” said Hans, gruffly, “it is no place for a little child to be. + Canst thou climb, my little master? canst thou climb a knotted rope?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” said Otto, “I can never climb again! See, Hans;” and he flung back + the covers from off him. + </p> + <p> + “I cannot see,” said Hans, “it is too dark.” + </p> + <p> + “Then feel, dear Hans,” said Otto. + </p> + <p> + Hans bent over the poor little white figure glimmering palely in the + darkness. Suddenly he drew back with a snarl like an angry wolf. “Oh! the + black, bloody wretches!” he cried, hoarsely; “and have they done that to + thee, a little child?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Otto, “the Baron Henry did it.” And then again he began to + cry. + </p> + <p> + “There, there,” said Hans, roughly, “weep no more. Thou shalt get away + from here even if thou canst not climb; I myself will help thee. Thy + father is already waiting below the window here, and thou shalt soon be + with him. There, there, cry no more.” + </p> + <p> + While he was speaking Hans had stripped off his peddler’s leathern jacket, + and there, around his body, was wrapped coil after coil of stout hempen + rope tied in knots at short distances. He began unwinding the rope, and + when he had done he was as thin as ever he had been before. Next he drew + from the pouch that hung at his side a ball of fine cord and a leaden + weight pierced by a hole, both of which he had brought with him for the + use to which he now put them. He tied the lead to the end of the cord, + then whirling the weight above his head, he flung it up toward the window + high above. Twice the piece of lead fell back again into the room; the + third time it flew out between the iron bars carrying the cord with it. + Hans held the ball in his hand and paid out the string as the weight + carried it downward toward the ground beneath. Suddenly the cord stopped + running. Hans jerked it and shook it, but it moved no farther. “Pray + heaven, little child,” said he, “that it hath reached the ground, for if + it hath not we are certainly lost.” + </p> + <p> + “I do pray,” said Otto, and he bowed his head. + </p> + <p> + Then, as though in answer to his prayer, there came a twitch upon the + cord. + </p> + <p> + “See,” said Hans, “they have heard thee up above in heaven; it was thy + father who did that.” Quickly and deftly he tied the cord to the end of + the knotted rope; then he gave an answering jerk upon the string. The next + moment the rope was drawn up to the window and down the outside by those + below. Otto lay watching the rope as it crawled up to the window and out + into the night like a great snake, while One-eyed Hans held the other end + lest it should be drawn too far. At last it stopped. “Good,” muttered + Hans, as though to himself. “The rope is long enough.” + </p> + <p> + He waited for a few minutes and then, drawing upon the rope and finding + that it was held from below, he spat upon his hands and began slowly + climbing up to the window above. Winding his arm around the iron bars of + the grating that guarded it, he thrust his hand into the pouch that hung + by his side, and drawing forth a file, fell to work cutting through all + that now lay between Otto and liberty. + </p> + <p> + It was slow, slow work, and it seemed to Otto as though Hans would never + finish his task, as lying upon his hard couch he watched that figure, + black against the sky, bending over its work. Now and then the file + screeched against the hard iron, and then Hans would cease for a moment, + but only to begin again as industriously as ever. Three or four times he + tried the effects of his work, but still the iron held. At last he set his + shoulder against it, and as Otto looked he saw the iron bend. Suddenly + there was a sharp crack, and a piece of the grating went flying out into + the night. + </p> + <p> + Hans tied the rope securely about the stump of the stout iron bar that yet + remained, and then slid down again into the room below. + </p> + <p> + “My little lord,” said he, “dost thou think that if I carry thee, thou + wilt be able and strong enough to cling to my neck?” + </p> + <p> + “Aye,” said Otto, “methinks I will be able to do that.” + </p> + <p> + “Then come,” said Hans. + </p> + <p> + He stooped as he spoke, and gently lifting Otto from his rude and rugged + bed he drew his broad leathern belt around them both, buckling it firmly + and securely. “It does not hurt thee?” said he. + </p> + <p> + “Not much,” whispered Otto faintly. + </p> + <p> + Then Hans spat upon his hands, and began slowly climbing the rope. + </p> + <p> + They reached the edge of the window and there they rested for a moment, + and Otto renewed his hold around the neck of the faithful Hans. + </p> + <p> + “And now art thou ready?” said Hans + </p> + <p> + “Aye,” said Otto. + </p> + <p> + “Then courage,” said Hans, and he turned and swung his leg over the abyss + below. + </p> + <p> + The next moment they were hanging in mid-air. + </p> + <p> + Otto looked down and gave a gasp. “The mother of heaven bless us,” he + whispered, and then closed his eyes, faint and dizzy at the sight of that + sheer depth beneath. Hans said nothing, but shutting his teeth and + wrapping his legs around the rope, he began slowly descending, hand under + hand. Down, down, down he went, until to Otto, with his eyes shut and his + head leaning upon Hans’ shoulder, it seemed as though it could never end. + Down, down, down. Suddenly he felt Hans draw a deep breath; there was a + slight jar, and Otto opened his eyes; Hans was standing upon the ground. + </p> + <p> + A figure wrapped in a dark cloak arose from the shadow of the wall, and + took Otto in its arms. It was Baron Conrad. + </p> + <p> + “My son—my little child!” he cried, in a choked, trembling voice, + and that was all. And Otto pressed his cheek against his father’s and + began crying. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly the Baron gave a sharp, fierce cry. “Dear Heaven!” he cried; + “what have they done to thee?” But poor little Otto could not answer. + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” gasped the Baron, in a strangled voice, “my little child! my little + child!” And therewith he broke down, and his whole body shook with fierce, + dry sobs; for men in those days did not seek to hide their grief as they + do now, but were fierce and strong in the expression of that as of all + else. + </p> + <p> + “Never mind, dear father,” whispered Otto; “it did not hurt me so very + much,” and he pressed his lips against his father’s cheek. + </p> + <p> + Little Otto had but one hand. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0013" id="link2H_4_0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XII. A Ride For Life. + </h2> + <p> + But not yet was Otto safe, and all danger past and gone by. Suddenly, as + they stood there, the harsh clangor of a bell broke the silence of the + starry night above their heads, and as they raised their faces and looked + up, they saw lights flashing from window to window. Presently came the + sound of a hoarse voice shouting something that, from the distance, they + could not understand. + </p> + <p> + One-eyed Hans smote his hand upon his thigh. “Look,” said he, “here is what + comes of having a soft heart in one’s bosom. I overcame and bound a + watchman up yonder, and forced him to tell me where our young Baron lay. + It was on my mind to run my knife into him after he had told me every + thing, but then, bethinking how the young Baron hated the thought of + bloodshed, I said to myself, ‘No, Hans, I will spare the villain’s life.’ + See now what comes of being merciful; here, by hook or by crook, the + fellow has loosed himself from his bonds, and brings the whole castle + about our ears like a nest of wasps.” + </p> + <p> + “We must fly,” said the Baron; “for nothing else in the world is left me, + now that all have deserted me in this black time of trouble, excepting + these six faithful ones.” + </p> + <p> + His voice was bitter, bitter, as he spoke; then stooping, he raised Otto + in his arms, and bearing him gently, began rapidly descending the rocky + slope to the level road that ran along the edge of the hill beneath. Close + behind him followed the rest; Hans still grimed with soot and in his bare + feet. A little distance from the road and under the shade of the forest + trees, seven horses stood waiting. The Baron mounted upon his great black + charger, seating little Otto upon the saddle in front of him. “Forward!” + he cried, and away they clattered and out upon the road. Then—“To + St. Michaelsburg,” said Baron Conrad, in his deep voice, and the horses’ + heads were turned to the westward, and away they galloped through the + black shadows of the forest, leaving Trutz-Drachen behind them. + </p> + <p> + But still the sound of the alarm bell rang through the beating of the + horses’ hoofs, and as Hans looked over his shoulder, he saw the light of + torches flashing hither and thither along the outer walls in front of the + great barbican. + </p> + <p> + In Castle Trutz-Drachen all was confusion and uproar: flashing torches lit + up the dull gray walls; horses neighed and stamped, and men shouted and + called to one another in the bustle of making ready. Presently Baron Henry + came striding along the corridor clad in light armor, which he had hastily + donned when roused from his sleep by the news that his prisoner had + escaped. Below in the courtyard his horse was standing, and without + waiting for assistance, he swung himself into the saddle. Then away they + all rode and down the steep path, armor ringing, swords clanking, and + iron-shod hoofs striking sparks of fire from the hard stones. At their + head rode Baron Henry; his triangular shield hung over his shoulder, and + in his hand he bore a long, heavy, steel-pointed lance with a pennant + flickering darkly from the end. + </p> + <p> + At the high-road at the base of the slope they paused, for they were at a + loss to know which direction the fugitives had taken; a half a score of + the retainers leaped from their horses, and began hurrying about hither + and thither, and up and down, like hounds searching for the lost scent, + and all the time Baron Henry sat still as a rock in the midst of the + confusion. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly a shout was raised from the forest just beyond the road; they had + come upon the place where the horses had been tied. It was an easy matter + to trace the way that Baron Conrad and his followers had taken thence back + to the high-road, but there again they were at a loss. The road ran + straight as an arrow eastward and westward—had the fugitives taken + their way to the east or to the west? + </p> + <p> + Baron Henry called his head-man, Nicholas Stein, to him, and the two spoke + together for a while in an undertone. At last the Baron’s lieutenant + reined his horse back, and choosing first one and then another, divided + the company into two parties. The baron placed himself at the head of one + band and Nicholas Stein at the head of the other. “Forward!” he cried, and + away clattered the two companies of horsemen in opposite directions. + </p> + <p> + It was toward the westward that Baron Henry of Trutz-Drachen rode at the + head of his men. + </p> + <p> + The early springtide sun shot its rays of misty, yellow light across the + rolling tops of the forest trees where the little birds were singing in + the glory of the May morning. But Baron Henry and his followers thought + nothing of the beauty of the peaceful day, and heard nothing of the + multitudinous sound of the singing birds as, with a confused sound of + galloping hoofs, they swept along the highway, leaving behind them a + slow-curling, low-trailing cloud of dust. + </p> + <p> + As the sun rose more full and warm, the misty wreaths began to dissolve, + until at last they parted and rolled asunder like a white curtain and + there, before the pursuing horsemen, lay the crest of the mountain toward + which they were riding, and up which the road wound steeply. + </p> + <p> + “Yonder they are,” cried a sudden voice behind Baron Henry of + Trutz-Drachen, and at the cry all looked upward. + </p> + <p> + Far away upon the mountain-side curled a cloud of dust, from the midst of + which came the star-like flash of burnished armor gleaming in the sun. + </p> + <p> + Baron Henry said never a word, but his lips curled in a grim smile. + </p> + <p> + And as the mist wreaths parted One-eyed Hans looked behind and down into + the leafy valley beneath. “Yonder they come,” said he. “They have followed + sharply to gain so much upon us, even though our horses are wearied with + all the travelling we have done hither and yon these five days past. How + far is it, Lord Baron, from here to Michaelsburg?” + </p> + <p> + “About ten leagues,” said the Baron, in a gloomy voice. + </p> + <p> + Hans puckered his mouth as though to whistle, but the Baron saw nothing of + it, for he was gazing straight before him with a set and stony face. Those + who followed him looked at one another, and the same thought was in the + mind of each—how long would it be before those who pursued would + close the distance between them? + </p> + <p> + When that happened it meant death to one and all. + </p> + <p> + They reached the crest of the hill, and down they dashed upon the other + side; for there the road was smooth and level as it sloped away into the + valley, but it was in dead silence that they rode. Now and then those who + followed the Baron looked back over their shoulders. They had gained a + mile upon their pursuers when the helmeted heads rose above the crest of + the mountain, but what was the gain of a mile with a smooth road between + them, and fresh horses to weary ones? + </p> + <p> + On they rode and on they rode. The sun rose higher and higher, and hotter + and hotter. There was no time to rest and water their panting horses. Only + once, when they crossed a shallow stretch of water, the poor animals bent + their heads and caught a few gulps from the cool stream, and the One-eyed + Hans washed a part of the soot from his hands and face. On and on they + rode; never once did the Baron Conrad move his head or alter that + steadfast look as, gazing straight before him, he rode steadily forward + along the endless stretch of road, with poor little Otto’s yellow head and + white face resting against his steel-clad shoulder—and St. + Michaelsburg still eight leagues away. + </p> + <p> + A little rise of ground lay before them, and as they climbed it, all, + excepting the baron, turned their heads as with one accord and looked + behind them. Then more than one heart failed, for through the leaves of + the trees below, they caught the glint of armor of those who followed—not + more than a mile away. The next moment they swept over the crest, and + there, below them, lay the broad shining river, and nearer a tributary + stream spanned by a rude, narrow, three-arched, stone bridge where the + road crossed the deep, slow-moving water. + </p> + <p> + Down the slope plodded the weary horses, and so to the bridge-head. + </p> + <p> + “Halt,” cried the baron suddenly, and drew rein. + </p> + <p> + The others stood bewildered. What did he mean to do? He turned to Hans and + his blue eyes shone like steel. + </p> + <p> + “Hans,” said he, in his deep voice, “thou hast served me long and truly; + wilt thou for this one last time do my bidding?” + </p> + <p> + “Aye,” said Hans, briefly. + </p> + <p> + “Swear it,” said the Baron. + </p> + <p> + “I swear it,” said Hans, and he drew the sign of the cross upon his heart. + </p> + <p> + “That is good,” said the Baron, grimly. “Then take thou this child, and + with the others ride with all the speed that thou canst to St. + Michaelsburg. Give the child into the charge of the Abbot Otto. Tell him + how that I have sworn fealty to the Emperor, and what I have gained + thereby—my castle burnt, my people slain, and this poor, simple + child, my only son, mutilated by my enemy. + </p> + <p> + “And thou, my Lord Baron?” said Hans. + </p> + <p> + “I will stay here,” said the Baron, quietly, “and keep back those who + follow as long as God will give me grace so to do.” + </p> + <p> + A murmur of remonstrance rose among the faithful few who were with him, + two of whom were near of kin. But Conrad of Drachenhausen turned fiercely + upon them. + </p> + <p> + “How now,” said he, “have I fallen so low in my troubles that even ye dare + to raise your voices against me? By the good Heaven, I will begin my work + here by slaying the first man who dares to raise word against my bidding.” + Then he turned from them. “Here, Hans,” said he, “take the boy; and + remember, knave, what thou hast sworn.” + </p> + <p> + He pressed Otto close to his breast in one last embrace. “My little + child,” he murmured, “try not to hate thy father when thou thinkest of him + hereafter, even though he be hard and bloody as thou knowest.” + </p> + <p> + But with his suffering and weakness, little Otto knew nothing of what was + passing; it was only as in a faint flickering dream that he lived in what + was done around him. + </p> + <p> + “Farewell, Otto,” said the Baron, but Otto’s lips only moved faintly in + answer. His father kissed him upon either cheek. “Come, Hans,” said he, + hastily, “take him hence;” and he loosed Otto’s arms from about his neck. + </p> + <p> + Hans took Otto upon the saddle in front of him. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! my dear Lord Baron,” said he, and then stopped with a gulp, and + turned his grotesquely twitching face aside. + </p> + <p> + “Go,” said the Baron, harshly, “there is no time to lose in woman’s + tears.” + </p> + <p> + “Farewell, Conrad! farewell, Conrad!” said his two kinsmen, and coming + forward they kissed him upon the cheek then they turned and rode away + after Hans, and Baron Conrad was left alone to face his mortal foe. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0014" id="link2H_4_0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XIII. How Baron Conrad Held the Bridge. + </h2> + <p> + As the last of his followers swept around the curving road and was lost to + sight, Baron Conrad gave himself a shake, as though to drive away the + thoughts that lay upon him. Then he rode slowly forward to the middle of + the bridge, where he wheeled his horse so as to face his coming enemies. + He lowered the vizor of his helmet and bolted it to its place, and then + saw that sword and dagger were loose in the scabbard and easy to draw when + the need for drawing should arise. + </p> + <p> + Down the steep path from the hill above swept the pursuing horsemen. Down + the steep path to the bridge-head and there drew rein; for in the middle + of the narrow way sat the motionless, steel-clad figure upon the great + war-horse, with wide, red, panting nostrils, and body streaked with sweat + and flecked with patches of foam. + </p> + <p> + One side of the roadway of the bridge was guarded by a low stone wall; the + other side was naked and open and bare to the deep, slow-moving water + beneath. It was a dangerous place to attack a desperate man clad in armor + of proof. + </p> + <p> + “Forward!” cried Baron Henry, but not a soul stirred in answer, and still + the iron-clad figure sat motionless and erect upon the panting horse. + </p> + <p> + “How,” cried the Baron Henry, “are ye afraid of one man? Then follow me!” + and he spurred forward to the bridge-head. But still no one moved in + answer, and the Lord of Trutz-Drachen reined back his horse again. He + wheeled his horse and glared round upon the stolid faces of his followers, + until his eyes seemed fairly to blaze with passion beneath the bars of his + vizor. + </p> + <p> + Baron Conrad gave a roar of laughter. “How now,” he cried; “are ye all + afraid of one man? Is there none among ye that dares come forward and meet + me? I know thee, Baron Henry! thou art not afraid to cut off the hand of a + little child. Hast thou not now the courage to face the father?” + </p> + <p> + Baron Henry gnashed his teeth with rage as he glared around upon the faces + of his men-at-arms. Suddenly his eye lit upon one of them. “Ha! Carl + Spigler,” he cried, “thou hast thy cross-bow with thee;—shoot me + down yonder dog! Nay,” he said, “thou canst do him no harm under his + armor; shoot the horse upon which he sits.” + </p> + <p> + Baron Conrad heard the speech. “Oh! thou coward villain!” he cried, “stay; + do not shoot the good horse. I will dismount and fight ye upon foot.” + Thereupon, armed as he was, he leaped clashing from his horse and turning + the animal’s head, gave it a slap upon the flank. The good horse first + trotted and then walked to the further end of the bridge, where it stopped + and began cropping at the grass that grew beside the road. + </p> + <p> + “Now then!” cried Baron Henry, fiercely, “now then, ye cannot fear him, + villains! Down with him! forward!” + </p> + <p> + Slowly the troopers spurred their horses forward upon the bridge and + toward that one figure that, grasping tightly the great two-handed sword, + stood there alone guarding the passage. + </p> + <p> + Then Baron Conrad whirled the great blade above his head, until it caught + the sunlight and flashed again. He did not wait for the attack, but when + the first of the advancing horsemen had come within a few feet of him, he + leaped with a shout upon them. The fellow thrust at him with his lance, + and the Baron went staggering a few feet back, but instantly he recovered + himself and again leaped forward. The great sword flashed in the air, + whistling; it fell, and the nearest man dropped his lance, clattering, and + with a loud, inarticulate cry, grasped the mane of his horse with both + hands. Again the blade whistled in the air, and this time it was stained + with red. Again it fell, and with another shrill cry the man toppled + headlong beneath the horse’s feet. The next instant they were upon him, + each striving to strike at the one figure, to ride him down, or to thrust + him down with their lances. There was no room now to swing the long blade, + but holding the hilt in both hands, Baron Conrad thrust with it as though + it were a lance, stabbing at horse or man, it mattered not. Crowded upon + the narrow roadway of the bridge, those who attacked had not only to guard + themselves against the dreadful strokes of that terrible sword, but to + keep their wounded horses (rearing and mad with fright) from toppling + bodily over with them into the water beneath. + </p> + <p> + Presently the cry was raised, “Back! back!” And those nearest the Baron + began reining in their horses. “Forward!” roared Baron Henry, from the + midst of the crowd; but in spite of his command, and even the blows that + he gave, those behind were borne back by those in front, struggling and + shouting, and the bridge was cleared again excepting for three figures + that lay motionless upon the roadway, and that one who, with the + brightness of his armor dimmed and stained, leaned panting against the + wall of the bridge. + </p> + <p> + The Baron Henry raged like a madman. Gnashing his teeth together, he rode + back a little way; then turning and couching his lance, he suddenly + clapped spurs to his horse, and the next instant came thundering down upon + his solitary enemy. + </p> + <p> + Baron Conrad whirled his sword in the air, as he saw the other coming like + a thunderbolt upon him; he leaped aside, and the lance passed close to + him. As it passed he struck, and the iron point flew from the shaft of the + spear at the blow, and fell clattering upon the stone roadway of the + bridge. + </p> + <p> + Baron Henry drew in his horse until it rested upon its haunches, then + slowly reined it backward down the bridge, still facing his foe, and still + holding the wooden stump of the lance in his hand. At the bridge-head he + flung it from him. + </p> + <p> + “Another lance!” he cried, hoarsely. One was silently reached to him and + he took it, his hand trembling with rage. Again he rode to a little + distance and wheeled his horse; then, driving his steel spurs into its + quivering side, he came again thundering down upon the other. Once more + the terrible sword whirled in the air and fell, but this time the lance + was snatched to one side and the blow fell harmlessly. The next instant, + and with a twitch of the bridle-rein, the horse struck full and fair + against the man. + </p> + <p> + Conrad of Drachenhausen was whirled backward and downward, and the cruel + iron hoofs crashed over his prostrate body, as horse and man passed with a + rush beyond him and to the bridge-head beyond. A shout went up from those + who stood watching. The next moment the prostrate figure rose and + staggered blindly to the side of the bridge, and stood leaning against the + stone wall. + </p> + <p> + At the further end of the bridge Baron Henry had wheeled his horse. Once + again he couched lance, and again he drove down upon his bruised and + wounded enemy. This time the lance struck full and fair, and those who + watched saw the steel point pierce the iron breast-plate and then snap + short, leaving the barbed point within the wound. + </p> + <p> + Baron Conrad sunk to his knees and the Roderburg, looming upon his horse + above him, unsheathed his sword to finish the work he had begun. + </p> + <p> + Then those who stood looking on saw a wondrous thing happen: the wounded + man rose suddenly to his feet, and before his enemy could strike he + leaped, with a great and bitter cry of agony and despair, upon him as he + sat in the saddle above. + </p> + <p> + Henry of Trutz-Drachen grasped at his horse’s mane, but the attack was so + fierce, so sudden, and so unexpected that before he could save himself he + was dragged to one side and fell crashing in his armor upon the stone + roadway of the bridge. + </p> + <p> + “The dragon! the dragon!” roared Baron Conrad, in a voice of thunder, and + with the energy of despair he dragged his prostrate foe toward the open + side of the bridge. + </p> + <p> + “Forward!” cried the chief of the Trutz-Drachen men, and down they rode + upon the struggling knights to the rescue of their master in this new + danger. But they were too late. + </p> + <p> + There was a pause at the edge of the bridge, for Baron Henry had gained + his feet and, stunned and bewildered as he was by the suddenness of his + fall, he was now struggling fiercely, desperately. For a moment they stood + swaying backward and forward, clasped in one another’s arms, the blood + from the wounded man’s breast staining the armor of both. The moment + passed and then, with a shower of stones and mortar from beneath their + iron-shod heels, they toppled and fell; there was a thunderous splash in + the water below, and as the men-at-arms came hurrying up and peered with + awe-struck faces over the parapet of the bridge, they saw the whirling + eddies sweep down with the current of the stream, a few bubbles rise to + the surface of the water, and then—nothing; for the smooth river + flowed onward as silently as ever. + </p> + <p> + Presently a loud voice burst through the awed hush that followed. It came + from William of Roderburg, Baron Henry’s kinsman. + </p> + <p> + “Forward!” he cried. A murmur of voices from the others was all the answer + that he received. “Forward!” cried the young man again, “the boy and those + with him are not so far away but that we might yet catch up with them.” + </p> + <p> + Then one of the men spoke up in answer—a man with a seamed, + weather-beaten face and crisp grizzled hair. “Nay,” said he, “our Lord + Baron is gone, and this is no quarrel of ours; here be four of us that are + wounded and three I misdoubt that are dead; why should we follow further + only to suffer more blows for no gain?” A growl of assent rose from those + that stood around, and William of Roderburg saw that nothing more was to + be done by the Trutz-Dragons that day. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0015" id="link2H_4_0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XIV. How Otto Saw the Great Emperor. + </h2> + <p> + Through weakness and sickness and faintness, Otto had lain in a half swoon + through all that long journey under the hot May sun. It was as in a + dreadful nightmare that he had heard on and on and on that monotonous + throbbing of galloping hoofs upon the ground; had felt that last kiss that + his father had given him upon his cheek. Then the onward ride again, until + all faded away into a dull mist and he knew no more. When next he woke it + was with the pungent smell of burned vinegar in his nostrils and with the + feeling of a cool napkin bathing his brow. He opened his eyes and then + closed them again, thinking he must have been in a dream, for he lay in + his old room at the peaceful monastery of the White Cross on the hill; the + good Father Abbot sat near by, gazing upon his face with the old absent + student look, Brother John sat in the deep window seat also gazing at him, + and Brother Theodore, the leech of the monastery, sat beside him bathing + his head. Beside these old familiar faces were the faces of those who had + been with him in that long flight; the One-eyed Hans, old Master Nicholas + his kinsman, and the others. So he closed his eyes, thinking that maybe it + was all a dream. But the sharp throbbing of the poor stump at his wrist + soon taught him that he was still awake. + </p> + <p> + “Am I then really home in St. Michaelsburg again?” he murmured, without + unclosing his eyes. + </p> + <p> + Brother Theodore began snuffling through his nose; there was a pause. + “Yes,” said the old Abbot at last, and his gentle voice trembled as he + spoke; “yes, my dear little child, thou art back again in thine own home; + thou hast not been long out in the great world, but truly thou hast had a + sharp and bitter trial of it.” + </p> + <p> + “But they will not take me away again, will they?” said Otto quickly, + unclosing his blue eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” said the Abbot, gently; “not until thou art healed in body and art + ready and willing to go.” + </p> + <p> + Three months and more had passed, and Otto was well again; and now, + escorted by One-eyed Hans and those faithful few who had clung to the + Baron Conrad through his last few bitter days, he was riding into the + quaint old town of Nurnburg; for the Emperor Rudolph was there at that + time, waiting for King Ottocar of Bohemia to come thither and answer the + imperial summons before the Council, and Otto was travelling to the court. + </p> + <p> + As they rode in through the gates of the town, Otto looked up at the + high-peaked houses with their overhanging gables, the like of which he had + never seen before, and he stared with his round blue eyes at seeing them + so crowded together along the length of the street. But most of all he + wondered at the number of people that passed hither and thither, jostling + each other in their hurry, and at the tradesmen’s booths opening upon the + street with the wonderful wares hanging within; armor at the smiths, + glittering ornaments at the goldsmiths, and rich fabrics of silks and + satins at the mercers. He had never seen anything so rich and grand in all + of his life, for little Otto had never been in a town before. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! look,” he cried, “at that wonderful lady; see, holy father! sure the + Emperor’s wife can be no finer than that lady.” + </p> + <p> + The Abbot smiled. “Nay, Otto,” said he, “that is but a burgher’s wife or + daughter; the ladies at the Emperor’s court are far grander than such as + she.” + </p> + <p> + “So!” said Otto, and then fell silent with wonder. + </p> + <p> + And now, at last the great moment had come when little Otto with his own + eyes was to behold the mighty Emperor who ruled over all the powerful + kingdoms of Germany and Austria, and Italy and Bohemia, and other kingdoms + and principalities and states. His heart beat so that he could hardly + speak as, for a moment, the good Abbot who held him by the hand stopped + outside of the arrased doorway to whisper some last instructions into his + ear. Then they entered the apartment. + </p> + <p> + It was a long, stone-paved room. The floor was covered with rich rugs and + the walls were hung with woven tapestry wherein were depicted knights and + ladies in leafy gardens and kings and warriors at battle. A long row of + high glazed windows extended along the length of the apartment, flooding + it with the mellow light of the autumn day. At the further end of the + room, far away, and standing by a great carved chimney place wherein + smouldered the remains of a fire, stood a group of nobles in gorgeous + dress of velvet and silks, and with glittering golden chains hung about + their necks. + </p> + <p> + One figure stood alone in front of the great yawning fireplace. His hands + were clasped behind him, and his look bent thoughtfully upon the floor. He + was dressed only in a simple gray robe without ornament or adornment, a + plain leathern belt girded his waist, and from it hung a sword with a bone + hilt encased in a brown leathern scabbard. A noble stag-hound lay close + behind him, curled up upon the floor, basking in the grateful warmth of + the fire. + </p> + <p> + As the Father Abbot and Otto drew near he raised his head and looked at + them. It was a plain, homely face that Otto saw, with a wrinkled forehead + and a long mouth drawn down at the corners. It was the face of a good, + honest burgher burdened with the cares of a prosperous trade. “Who can he + be,” thought Otto, “and why does the poor man stand there among all the + great nobles?” + </p> + <p> + But the Abbot walked straight up to him and kneeled upon the floor, and + little Otto, full of wonder, did the same. It was the great Emperor + Rudolph. + </p> + <p> + “Who have we here,” said the Emperor, and he bent his brow upon the Abbot + and the boy. + </p> + <p> + “Sire,” said Abbot Otto, “we have humbly besought you by petition, in the + name of your late vassal, Baron Conrad of Vuelph of Drachenhausen, for + justice to this his son, the Baron Otto, whom, sire, as you may see, hath + been cruelly mutilated at the hands of Baron Henry of Roderburg of + Trutz-Drachen. He hath moreover been despoiled of his lands, his castle + burnt, and his household made prisoner.” + </p> + <p> + The Emperor frowned until the shaggy eyebrows nearly hid the keen gray + twinkle of the eyes beneath. “Yes,” said he, “I do remember me of that + petition, and have given it consideration both in private and in council.” + He turned to the group of listening nobles. “Look,” said he, “at this + little child marred by the inhumanity and the cruelty of those robber + villains. By heavens! I will put down their lawless rapine, if I have to + give every castle from the north to the south to the flames and to the + sword.” Then turning to Otto again, “Poor little child,” said he, “thy + wrongs shall be righted, and so far as they are able, those cruel + Roderburgs shall pay thee penny for penny, and grain for grain, for what + thou hast lost; and until such indemnity hath been paid the family of the + man who wrought this deed shall be held as surety.” + </p> + <p> + Little Otto looked up in the kind, rugged face above him. “Nay, Lord + Emperor,” said he, in his quaint, quiet way, “there are but two in the + family—the mother and the daughter—and I have promised to + marry the little girl when she and I are old enough; so, if you please, I + would not have harm happen to her.” + </p> + <p> + The Emperor continued to look down at the kneeling boy, and at last he + gave a short, dry laugh. “So be it,” said he, “thy plan is not without its + wisdom. Mayhap it is all for the best that the affair should be ended thus + peacefully. The estates of the Roderburgs shall be held in trust for thee + until thou art come of age; otherwise it shall be as thou hast proposed, + the little maiden shall be taken into ward under our own care. And as to + thee—art thou willing that I should take thee under my own charge in + the room of thy father, who is dead?” + </p> + <p> + “Aye,” said Otto, simply, “I am willing, for it seems to me that thou art + a good man.” + </p> + <p> + The nobles who stood near smiled at the boy’s speech. As for the Emperor, + he laughed outright. “I give thee thanks, my Lord Baron,” said he; “there + is no one in all my court who has paid me greater courtesy than that.” + </p> + <p> + So comes the end of our tale. + </p> + <p> + But perhaps you may like to know what happened afterward, for no one cares + to leave the thread of a story without tying a knot in it. + </p> + <p> + Eight years had passed, and Otto grew up to manhood in the Emperor’s + court, and was with him through war and peace. + </p> + <p> + But he himself never drew sword or struck a blow, for the right hand that + hung at his side was of pure silver, and the hard, cold fingers never + closed. Folks called him “Otto of the Silver Hand,” but perhaps there was + another reason than that for the name that had been given him, for the + pure, simple wisdom that the old monks of the White Cross on the hill had + taught him, clung to him through all the honors that the Emperor bestowed + upon his favorite, and as he grew older his words were listened to and + weighed by those who were high in Council, and even by the Emperor + himself. + </p> + <p> + And now for the end of all. + </p> + <p> + One day Otto stood uncertainly at the doorway of a room in the imperial + castle, hesitating before he entered; and yet there was nothing so very + dreadful within, only one poor girl whose heart fluttered more than his. + Poor little Pauline, whom he had not seen since that last day in the black + cell at Trutz-Drachen. + </p> + <p> + At last he pushed aside the hangings and entered the room. + </p> + <p> + She was sitting upon a rude bench beside the window, looking at him out of + her great, dark eyes. + </p> + <p> + He stopped short and stood for a moment confused and silent; for he had no + thought in his mind but of the little girl whom he had last seen, and for + a moment he stood confused before the fair maiden with her great, + beautiful dark eyes. + </p> + <p> + She on her part beheld a tall, slender youth with curling, golden hair, + one hand white and delicate, the other of pure and shining silver. + </p> + <p> + He came to her and took her hand and set it to his lips, and all that she + could do was to gaze with her great, dark eyes upon the hero of whom she + had heard so many talk; the favorite of the Emperor; the wise young Otto + of the Silver Hand. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0016" id="link2H_4_0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Afterword + </h2> + <p> + The ruins of Drachenhausen were rebuilt, for the walls were as sound as + ever, though empty and gaping to the sky; but it was no longer the den of + a robber baron for beneath the scutcheon over the great gate was carved a + new motto of the Vuelphs; a motto which the Emperor Rudolph himself had + given: + </p> + <p> + “Manus argentea quam manus ferrea melior est.” + </p> + +<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OTTO OF THE SILVER HAND ***</div> +<div style='text-align:left'> + +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> +Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will +be renamed. +</div> + +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> +Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright +law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, +so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United +States without permission and without paying copyright +royalties. 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