Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1877-07-26
CHAPTER XXI.

CHAPTER XXI.
Johanna now began to tremble
when she heard these plans being
discussed; for, much as she feared
that bad man, it made her shuddel
to think that his blood must be
spilled to save herself. She might
have urged the brigands not to kill
Kraunich, but Mirma came and led
her away.
~Here they comet" exclaimed Osan,
who had taken his station at the
loop again. my soul what an
ugly ram they've got
Vert quickly ascended to his old
place, and he was not little startled
when he saw the weapon that the
enemy had brought with them. 1t
was the trunk OF a tree, over a foot
through at the butt, and some forty
feet long. The branches had been
so looped off that they might afford
handles by which to work it. There
were thirty men had hold of the ram,
and Kraunich was by their side urg-
ing them on.
"Can you see the villain?" asked
old Roland.
"Yes," exclaimed Vert. wait a
moment
At the end OF that moment Vert
fired. An exclamation Of chagrin fell
from his lips, for he had not hit his
mark. Kraunich still led on his men
unharmed. One man, however, fell
before the fire OF Osan, and in a mo-
menl more, Vert fired again; but not
at Kraunich. for that individual had
got too near the cave to be marked.
Those who advanced with the bat
tering- ram did not falter as they saw
their comrades fall. but at the CON-
mand OF their leader they hastened
on. At the word they stopped and
gathered strength for the blow. 1t
came, and the stout door trembled
"A few such blows as that will let
them in" said Blandberg.
"Ay, in truth 1t will. returned Vert,
al he took a carbine and leveled it.
He killed his man, and so did Osan,
but they could do no more, for at
moment the door received another
shock, and with a laundering crash
1t broke from its hinges. With a
loud shout the beseigers rushed into
the cave. The brigands made no
resistance. for they knew it would be
useless, and in few moments they
were bound and led out into the
court.
Kraunich saw old Roland there, and
with an oath he struck the old man
In the face.
$50 you are here, eh?" he muttered,
as he gave the blow. by my soul,
old dotard. you shall hang for this. I"
Roland made no reply, and Kraun-
ich turned away. He quickly found
the entrance TO the females apart
ment, and with quick step he
sought their presence.
"Aha, my fair ladies' he uttered, as
he gazed with flashing eyes. first
upon Johanna, and then upon her
mother; you see have found you.
BY Saint Paul, my noble dame OF
Rosenfels, you have given me trouble
enough; but you may rest assured
that you will give me no more,
may try the virtue OF stone walls and
iron bolts. Upon my soul, Lady
OLIVIA, you are setting your child a
fine example Of obedience"
This taunt called thrill OF indig.
nation to the shrinking soul OF the
baroness, and with burning cheek,
she said:
@Oh, villain, / had rather suffer all
your wrongs than bear In my bosom
the black heart you carry"
Say you SO, madaml"
@Ay, Moritz Kraunich. Hemmed
In as / now am by your power, ]
would not change places with you.'
Very fine, my lady-very fine.
But as we are not likely to change
places. we had better try and make
the best OF those we have. Your
place Is at the castle. and thither I'll
conduct you. And you, my pretty
maiden the scoundrel consinued
turning to Johanna, shall learn to
know your place before many more