, 1876-09-29

the whole of the inhabitants capable OF
bearing arms. in order, If possible, to
surprise and destroy the hated and no.
torious castle of Arnstein, which they
said ought long since to have been lev
eled to the ground. But, besides the
uncertainty of the information received,
it was Justly remarked by the magistrate
who presided, that it wsald require
months of open and decided hostility to
\ CAPTURE so powerful and well provisioned
a castle as that Of Raubberg, when the
formidable enemy made his depreda-
tions; while, moreover, the present case
called for instant redress.
At length, after 4 long and stormy
discussion of the most efficacious means
for obtaining it, during which the heads
of the more bold and indignant had
leisure to grow cooler, it was agreed to
adopt the last suggestion of one Of the
oldest magistrates, who explained to
the council the superior opinion he en-
tertained of a strategem by which he
I trusted that the freedom of the abducted
parties would be more speedily accom-
| plished.
In the first place, every one must re-
turn quietly to his own home, conceal
ing his feelings of indignation and re-
venge as we'll as he could. Then, Just
as if nothing extraordinary had Oc-
CURED at the last festivals if the alb
sence of none of the patty had been no
ticed, or that their return was quietly
expected, another nuptial evening
should be announced as soon as Possi-
BILE.
Accordingly, these same tidings
reached the ears of the Lord Arnstein,
who, on receiving an invitation along
with his knights and esquires, loudly
ridiculed the stupidity of the poor citi
zens, who thus actually threw their
daughters in his way. Then, amidst
oaths and laughter, a still more ex-
I tended incursion than the former was
determined upon, the whole party pres
ent at the castle declaring that they
would this time, each and every one,
seize on his individual prey after the
close of the dance.
About twilight on the appointed day,
the meadow was seen covered with
groups of dancers; yet, with all this,
no virgins this day trod the scene-they
were safe in their paternal mansions. 1t
was the stout citizens, and next to them
their eldest boys, who were arrayed in
woman's attire, with newly-sharpened
weapons concealed under their clothes,
all intent upon avenging the honor of
their daughters, their sisters, or their
betrothed, and forever, in future, to Sc
cure it.
They began to dance with sounds of
revelry and mirth, yet somewhat sub
dued to tones of vomanhood, while
their hearts throbbed forvengeance, un-
til the approach of midnight, when
their trusty scouts brought word of the
yet near and nearer advance of the
Lord Arnstein, approaching softly to-
wards the spot.
Now the dancing party seems to break
up, concluding with the. old national
figures, and singing, and apparently
drawing homeward. But, behold the
next moment the Lord Of Arnstein
burst into the midst of them, followed
by his knights and pages on horseback
and on foot, all eager to join in the pur-
suit, of which they yainly hoped that
their former depreciation was only q
poor specimen.
They let him advance; and the lord
no sooner found himself in the midst of
the dancers, than he threw himself
from his steed, In order to enjoy the
'pleasure and applause of bearing of
the intended bride with his own hands.
But what was the feeling he experienced
when, as with laundering voice and q
laugh of Joy, he claimed the bride for
himself, the bright steel flashed In his
eyes, and smote the outstretehed arm,
before he could draw it back, quite
through and through
Smarting with pain, and uttering
curses of revenge, he started back to re-
gain his steed; but ten strong arms
were about him; he felt himself PIN
ioned, hand and foot and neck, as if
chains of iron girt him round Some
of the knights and pages who fastened
with threats to his assistance, were,
after a short struggle, overpowered and
secured; most Of them, however, es-
capped, with cries of terror and surprise,
wounded with sabres or with stones.
The chief culprit, however, was car
ried with shouts Of triumph into the
city. There the Lord of Arnstein was
thrown into large. solitary dungeon;
and there he confessed, on beholding
the preparations for his approaching
execution, the deeds he had perpetrated
and further intended to accomplish.
Theyoung ladies were, at thisown COM
mand, Immediately delivered unharmed
to their friends, in consequence of
which, after paying q heavy penalty,
and taking memorable oath never to
commit any Ofense against the city or
its inhabitants, he was released from his
chains.
But these chains, in which he for
months languished, are still preserved,
and are now to be seen in the town
house ct Aschersleben.