The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1888-03-01

At last BalthaZar reported that the sitting of
the Council to pass Judgment upon the prison
ers would take place on All Saints Day. Those
who had transgressed against the city or had
broken their allegiance would either be ban
ished or would fall into the hands Of the exc
catiOner, according to the extent of their
crimes. The others could regain their free
dom upon payment Of fine.
Gertrude breathed freely when she heard
this, but new alarm was at hand. Would not
Greta, she asked herself, have right to cause
the knight TO be arrested for abduction
Would not her brothers complaint and his deep
hatred give him up to the executoner? Ger
family. What could she do to help to save him?
She thought and thought. 1t is Simon Judas's
Day, only three days until All Saints! She
must consult Heinz this very night and come
to some decision.
She had made plan in her own mind, and
she carried more food to her own room than
she was accustomed to take to him. Frau
Katherine and the apprentices had dispute at
the table, but Gertrude paid no attention to
them. She had matters Of her own to attend
to- and hoped that her long season of anxiety
would soon come TO An end. That night the
young man laughed at the grating, and told
Trudy that her ministering would never be
concluded.
Does thy anxiety for me continue until
daylight, Trudy?"
ut does indeed" she replied, "for must
leave you for two days; but then, it is to help
you"
He was dsmayed. "Wilt thou leave me?"
he mOaned i, who know no fear, believe
that when thou gOest away all good spirits,
all nope and safety vanish also"
4" / go in the name of your good spirit, to try
to help yOu," she said confidently.
She then repeated what her brother had said,
and that at ali events his release would come
before All Saints Day. She did not conceal
from him her anxiety lest Bslthazar's revenge
should reach him, nor the Importance of Gretas
return with the assurance that she had been
kindly treated, which, more than all else,
wonld restrain them from making accusations
against him to the cruel Judge.
. ! must bring Greta home" said she decid-
edly, before | can venture to disclose your
place of refuge to the city fathers. That is
our only hope for mercy and justice. I can
not bear that Balthazar should spoil it all"
Maiden !" cried he, Castle Bleckede is at
least seven hours away and many dark forests,
wide heaths and lonely Inoors stretch here and
there. How Conldst thou bear such journey?
Thou, so shy, SO tender, how canst thou succeed
in such an undertaking? How can / ask it of
thee?"
You ask nothing of me, dear sir; wish to
20 and will accomplish my mission according
TO my own plan" she said, with quiet laugh
Give me something that your family will
recognize and be assured that am sent Point
out the way ] will do the rest"
As he sees that she is determined to do him
this service in his great need he accepts her
kindness. He describes the way exactly, and
tells her how to apply TO secure her admission
to the castle lie gives her the iron glove of
his right hand, and assures her that it will be
recognized. he entreats her to take his dagger
/ for her protection.
/ Keep your weapon, sir" said she; 81 know
nothing about shining steel, and am afraid of
/ it. Ny weapon is kindly tongue; my pro-
/ lection is with Gods angels. If that is not
/ enough, I am lost indeed'
He wanted TO bless her. but knew not how.
! He seized a little fold of her dress and pressed
| his lips to it, he had a strange feeling for her,
which he had never before experienced for
! father or mother nor for any other girl.
She vanished into the house, leaving him
! overwhelmed with feelings of gratitude At
! one moment he could comprehend such noble
conduct then everything low and contemplate
| seemed to come TO him. He had seen and
taken part in so much that was evil that he
could hardly realize or appreciate pure good
! ness.
Fool" he exclaimed, "to cherish the
| daughter of miserable townsman, and kiss
her dress as if it had been the velvet robe of a
! duchess. Fool! TO carry this anxious. wearing
care for heri What matters it into whose
hands she falls or what happens? What is she
| TO me? have hardly discerned her features
in the dimness of night or the twinkling of a
tiny lamp, and know not whether she is plain
or handsome. But what matters it, so that she
/ brings me my freedom? 1t is nothing to me
bow timid she is; how much trouble she takes
for the Knight Heinz of the Mountain, SO well
known for his bravery"
And yet, when he thinks of anyone lifting a
finger to do her harm, he trembles in every
| limb with rage, aud stretches out his hand to
| grasp his sword, as if he could defend her.
But can ii be true?" he asks himself. ;" l.
there actually such readiness in love and good
| ness to brave SO much for one-to set out on
such Journey VIII she find the right way
| Win she return? Perhaps when she encoun.
ters the dangers with which she has loaded
herself for him she may be overcome by timidity