The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-11-29

Eyes, yes" answered the rest. Solemn
ly the ring parted; each man raised his
right hand. and said;
1--WE will it. Let 1t be law"
Now you are truly freel" said the pas
tor. with shining eyes.
Sworn brothers," said one of the I'm
terwalden, SHOULD we not bring our cause
before the Emperor first? Will he not
respect our ancient liberties and treaties
Perhaps he knows not the misdeeds of
his projects
IT have been at the imperial court"
answered Konrad of the HUM. IT was
sent to get our letters of rights that
every emperor before him always in
dorsed anew and without question. But
they told me that he had no time, and
that perhaps in some future day he might
consider our case. AS 1 walked sadly
| through the palace l saw the Lords of
Wart and Tegerfeld standing by the EN-
peror's nephew, the Duke John of Schwo-
, bia. Go home and help yourselvesr they
cried to me. DO not await justice from
this Emperor, who robs his own nephew
and will not give him his own fathers
domain"
'You have heardp' cried Hans Auf Der
Manner. wait not for justice from the
Emperor Help yourseivesl'
Walther Fuerst stepped into the ring
and said:
1--WE will drive out the projects, break
their burgs and free the land. But let us
do it wothout bloodshed, If we may. We
will keep that which is ours, but not
reach after new possessions. What is the
Emperor's now shall remain his All the
lands shall continue to pay allegiance
where it is due. Who can give counsel
how we shall seize the mighty burgs of
Rossberg and Sarnen?'
II have a friend in Rossberg who will
admit me-" said Malchthal. "Once in, I
know where l can lower ladder and adj
nit our people"
ION the next feast day." said Winkel-
ried, 1--WE must ta'7e gifts to Sarnen. Ten
or a dozen of us can enter with our
slaves. Concealed under our garments We
will carry spear heads which can be adj
iusted quickly. AS soon as we secure the
gates we will blow horn and our people,
who can hide in a nearby wood, will find
the way clear if human strength can
hold It,"
''Then that is settled" said Stauffacher.
THE next feast shall bring the rising.
Be it our work to have every Swiss ready
to appear openly with arms as soon as
fires on the hills proclaim that the two
burgs have fallen. That leaves only Ges-
Ter of Uri to dispose of; but he is the
most dangerous of all. Even If driven out
he will remain menace. 1t will hardly
be safe to let him escape alive"
"Re it for the men of Uri to decide his
fate" said the rest. Now let us go be-
fore the dawn betrays us, and depart to
rouse the people to be ready for the
stroke for freedom"
The conspirators departed as they had
come. Quietly they went through their
cantons, over mountains and through val
leys, into busy towns and into lonely
gorges and passed the word from one
free man to another. They feared neither
treason nor premature betrayal; for ev-
erywhere men clasped their hands and
swore silence and loyalty to death.
While the four cantons still lay thus
apparently spine and crushed, Ulrich Won
Rudenz rode in the suite of Gesler and
wooed Bertha Won Brllneck. At last, dur
Ing hunt, he succeeded In speaking to
her quite alone and confessed his love.
To his amazement, she drew herself up
and asked:
Dare you speak to me OF love and
faith while you are faithless to your near
est duty. You, the slave OF Austria. who
have sold yourself to the oppressor Of
your reople?'
Passonately she told him that she, who
was not Swiss. though her estates were
Swiss, loved his people, while he was
willing to betray them.
my heart beeds for this patient strong
race" said she. Each Gay learn to
honor it more. And you-you who should
ASSIST your country would prepare eter-
nal servitude for i'll You would drive
liberty from its last stronghold on the
earth! Alasl that l should have to de-
spise one whom would that I could hon
or and lover
"Eerthal Berthal' exclaimed Ulrich.
"You show me the greatest prize only to
thrust me into despair!
NO" said she. IT wish to awake the
noble soul that is slumbering In your
breat Arise and fight for your land!'
How can / escape the moose that I
have so wickedly put around my neck?"
he groaned
"Cut it, Cut it like a man. said Ber>
tina. Whatever the cost, cleave to your
people,
At this point they were Interrupted by
the arrival of the hunting party Gesler
as usual rode surrounded by pikemen.
With him was his master OF the horse, the
hated Rudolph der Harras. Bertha and
Rudenz Joined him at his gesture, and
the troop rode into Altorf.
AS they approached the open place
where the hat had been raised, they heard
loud shouts. through which rose the yells
of the guards whom Gesler had placed
there: