The Press., 1914-10-21
The Minstrel A Medieval Story of
 the Rhine
By F. A. MITCHELL


 Not far from Ehrenbreitstein. on the Rhine and on the same side O1 the river, is a castle, or, rather, the ruin of castle, which looms up against the sky when seen from the stream below by the thousands of tourists who pass in the Rhine boat. Light clouds sail above it. winds circle about it. as when it was a fortress and the banner of it's possessor f1oated above it's highest tower. On looking up at it from the steamers deck one may fancy it's drawbridge let down to the distant rattle of chains, it's portcullis raised and the baron him. self at the head of a body of his re- tainers emerge and ride proudly down the declivity.
 At any rate, such were my flights of fancy as I watched 1t while pass ing up the river and saw it appear faint as mist ahead. reveal itself as we steamed by. then recede and finally disappear in the distance behind.
 I asked a gentleman who was gaz- ing upon it as intently as I if he could tell me anything about it when it was in its prime. He proved to be a student of the history of the castles of the Rhine and gave me an incident pertaining to this particular one that afterward wrote out as follows: .
 During the seventeenth century a family known by the name of Wren theim occupied the castle. the last pos SessOr of that name being Baron Cas- par Wrentheim This nobleman had no sons. his only child being daughter, Bertha Since this girl would inherit all her fathers possessions at his death besides being a very attractive woman, there were many suitOrs for her hand Among them was Count Carl Kellerman. the possessor of an estate lying a few leagues from the river and not far from Wrentheim castle. He was a commOner who had grown rich in trade and had purchased his title. Very ambitious, he made up
  thereby becoming the possessor of a castle and feudal lord.
 One morning when Bertha was walk ing on the battlements of her fathers castle she saw a cavalcade approach ing. Seeing that it would enter the incfosure. she went to room over looking the courtyard. There she saw Count Carl Kellerman dismount from his horse and enter the living apart ments of the castle.
 Kellerman was fifty years old and extremely ill favored. He was bent in the back and bald. and his face indicated a grasping disposition. Bertha took great dislike to him even at seeing him. He had not been in the castle long before her father came to her and informed her that the count had come to propose for her hand- The baron had replied that he would refer the matter to his daughter Bertha sent back refusal. The count left the castle showing his spleen at being refused. and the baron knew that he would find some preteXt for a quarrel. This he dreaded, for. though the count was not q fugerain-that is. a feudal Iord-he was rich and could hire men to fight for him.
 Not long after Kellerman's refusal some of the barOns retainers while crossing territory owned by the latter were attacked by him and his hire lings. who were far more numerous, Overpowcred and taken prisoners. Kel- lerman sent Wrentheim word that his men had been trespassing on his prop erty. He would release them if the baron would give him his daughter to wife; if not he would put out their eyes and send them back to him. He gave the baron a week to consider his proposition.
 Both father and daughter were much beloved by their retainers because of their kindness and affection for alt who were in any way dependent on their bounty. This offer placed them in desparate position. Either Bertha must marry the hated Kellerman or the captives, some of whom were the fathers of families, while others were dear either as brothers O. lovers, would be blinded for the rest of their lives,
 Bertha secretly resolved that she would save the prisoners, but before marriage with the detestable man who had made such an inhuman proposition would take her own life ..
 One evening when the baron and his daughter were sitting together bemoan-- ing the misfortune that had befallen them servant announced that a min- strel was without who would. if per. mitted. afford entertainment. The baron was about to direct that the man be sent away when Bertha interposed,fj saying that the music might serve to draw their minds from their trouble. The baron asSented. and the minstrel was admitted. E
 Wilhelm-the only name the young man gave himself-was tall and straight as an arrow. He unslung his harp as easily as if it had been a crossbow and was about to begin a song when the baron sHid to him: <s.
 '''I wonder that one should devote himself 10. the harp whose arm seems far moro fitted to wield the battleax." If you prefer military service to song l will give it." replied the min- ,trel
 Would that you could serve us in that way. but it is impossible -4,,
 "Why sO?'' 5-.. Il The baron gave an account of the an- 1l1catton of Count .A..Lrman for Ser has hand and Ot the means he had aiken to force thl allian: e. When he lad finished the min t: eI asked at what ime the tel&ls must be accepted or re- ected and was informed that only hree days remained for a decision. .a Since you require military service of l ne," said Wilhelm. II 2wiI not waste l ime ill song. Adieu. Perhaps l shall l oon see you again." And the harpist ! ook his departure.
 He was not seen after that for some tours. Baron Wrentheim attached no | importance to his coming and was not InnrnSSod hv hiS trOinU Not e,.< D.x..