What the rest of the
fellows may have done, I cannot say."
"But he has brought thee something, Stina," continued Ermentrude.
"Show it to her, brother."
"My father sends you this for your care of my sister," said Eberhard,
holding out a brooch that had doubtless fastened the band of the
unfortunate wine-merchant's bonnet.
"Thanks, sir; but, indeed, I may not take it," said Christina,
turning crimson, and drawing back.
"So!" he exclaimed, in amaze; then bethinking himself,--"They are no
townsfolk of yours, but Constance cowards."
"Take it, take it, Stina, or you will anger my father," added
Ermentrude.
"No, lady, I thank the barons both, but it were sin in me," said
Christina, with trembling voice.
"Look you," said Eberhard; "we have the full right--'tis a seignorial
right--to all the goods of every wayfarer that may be overthrown in
our river--as I am a true knight!" he added earnestly.
"A true knight!" repeated Christina, pushed hard, and very indignant
in all her terror. "The true knight's part is to aid, not rob, the
weak.
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