The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1888-02-23

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SiebTand of the mountain, the castelar,, and a
member of the family IN the Castle Bleckede
on the Elbe was slain by Karsten ROdewald,
the butcher. and some weeks later the city, with
great rejoicing declared allegiance to Duke
Albert, who was visiting Luneburg for short
time
Duke Magnus swore vengeance, and sent 200
knights and young men, selected from his
bravest field officers, on secret expedition over
the walls Of Luneburg.
The DIST Of October. St Ursulas Day, closed
brightly. Rest and peace spread over the I'M
snspecting city for the night. Suddenly the
alarm bell in the tower Of the City Hall was
heard, followed by the sound Of the watch
horns The bells and horns were answered
from other towers. The faithful tower wardens
Eaw mass Of dark figures clambering over the
walls Of the well-defended city. Several barns
were already burning. Now cries are heard
from the surprised people, and the clang Of
weapons, loud calls and hasty steps rouse the
citizens from sleep.
In one of the widest streets stands the house
Of the prosperous baker and grain merchant
Amburger. into which the noise penetrates.
The head Of the house, who is blind, sleeps in
the front room. He wakes with a start, listens
and springs TO his feet cropping his way to
rouse his household. A lad who is heating the
oven, which sends bright dancing light over
everything sees him coming and hastens to-
hdINe = llfl WiAA a - VI ebldi III
Wake BathaZar!" shouts his master.
Narrow, winding stairways led TO the snuely-
built sleeping rooms; there was a sound of per-
sons moving and soon many heavy footsteps
were heard in the large house First came
Bslthazar the blind mans son, a choking
young man in white, dusty clothes, and through
the door beside the large oven the apprentices
and lads sprang in from the court. The women
opened their doors and the cries of children
were heard. A strong young woman vainly
trying to silence struggling child, leaned over
the railing of the passage that led to her apart
ment.
What is the matter, for Heavens sake y"
abe called ont in a clear, commanding voice.
What is the matter, Katherine?" replied
the blind old man, drawing up his powerful
figure with his white, tangled locks and his
long, flowing beard. Raising hissightless eyes
toward her, as be doubled up his fists threaten
lnglv he cried: Duke Magnus's knights
break into our good city"
A cry from the woman followed these words,
and she started toward her room 20 prepare her
self and the children for flight. Balthazar rolled
MP his sleeves seized an AZ that had been used
for splitting wood Tor the oven, swung IL. gieam-
ing in the fre-light far above his head, shout-
ing: Take what you can find, comrades Seek
weapons and follow me. The city Is in danger.
One seized an iron poker, another grasped a
mcat-aK. another took a rusty sword from a
hook, a fourth armed himself with an old
spear, and stack kitchen-knife into his belt
and started after Balthazar.
Hang the chain over the house-door,
shouted the young men, as they dashed out into
the night
Only the blind owner Of the house, the lad at
the fire aud the women and children remained
at home
The old man turned into his room, with its
low, smoke-broWned ceiling Of rafters the bal
Ia -
cuFely fastened with iron bolts, the large table
with its firm benches in the middle the huge
porcelain stove, and the little shrine. with its
tiny lamp burning. Two steps led down into
this apartment, which the old man knew well.
He left the door open, seated himself upon
the side Of the bed and listened to the noise
outside Bugle-caiis and the distant turmoil oil
battle coald be distinctly heard Why did not
his daughters come 20 himi At last the young
woman entered. carrying child in her arms
Hast ;hou the little one with thee, Rather
ine2" he anxiOusly inquired.
Yes, father" She drags by the hand lit
lie boy, who staggers after her, only hall
awake while the babe in her arms has again
fallen asleep. She lays both children upon the
bed, behind her father, who puts out his hand
to cover them, muttering:
it viii be so. The great lords riot around
rs and snatch away the very crumbs from be
fore our mouths and Cypress us, that their vo
Taci0us appettes may be gratifed. Sham,
and misery upon the disturbers Of our peace 2
Katherine PAGES the room, wringing hel
hands.
"Oh that ] might 90 out and revenge my
self upon the OppressOr They have killed ml
husband; they have made you miserable! Oh
why am ] 3 helpless woman, dependent, veal
and useless
light, trembling sigh reveals the presenc
Of another person.
Where art thon. Tgudy ?" asked the father
Here, dear father said gentle, chiIdisl
voice. No one had remarked her entrance
Enc rose from her knees IN the corner and tot
tered 70 her father, a slender. girlish figure
Ebe covered down beside him. stroked his knee
clasped Lis hand tightly aud wept silently a
the tnmuit increased. The house cat purre
beside her, rubbing her elevated back agains
her
Puss; good puss" whispered the girl.
The father struck his knee angrily with III
free hand, saying:
They ought 70 be our protectors agains
proving thieves; they, the knights and lord
OF the land, who should make it their studv {
defend and encourage their people, come anon
us only 10 destroy ali that we have earned b
our industry, and to wrench property from on
citizens
Katherine went 10 the house-door, took dow
the chain, and looked out cautiously. Ii va
very dark clouds obscurcd the sky and gus
OF wind swept the rain into her glowing face 4
abe stood there, shuddering yet feverish. Til
street was almost deserted. but here aud ther
n faint light glimmered upon balcony benin
aWindOw-pane.
They arc fighting al the gate" she said, q
abe returned. ." must 60 out and see how
goes
Her sister, who was still stroking her father
knee, cried out, "Ob father. do notsufer her
do 50. Katherine, do not 90"
Why not child?" was the reply. and Katl
crime rose but just then the baby cried 81
took ii up and tried 70 soothe IT,
Let Lucas 90 out and get some news sal
the old man such a boy is like cat III:
climbs everywhere, and yet always comes OF
safely"
Katherine ran out The twigs cracked
tic oven. and the lad poked the fire. BE W.
accustomed to obey her sharp voice, but he di
not stir. She came wrathfully toward hir
and he muttered that be was afraid Wit
scoiaing and threats, the energetic woman
last pushed him out Of the door, and saw hi
creep stcalthily along in the shadows OF Il
surrounding gables. She noticed that the figi
cane nearer.
They must be al the market-place now
SAD the old man. bowling his snow-white hea
- listen.