"
Friedel crossed himself, and uttered an imploring exclamation of
horror at these wild words.
"Stay," said Ebbo; "I said not I meant any such thing--so long as
thou wilt be with me. My purpose is to be a good man and true, a
guard to the weak, a defence against the Turk, a good lord to my
vassals, and, if it may not be otherwise, I will take my oath to the
Kaiser, and keep it. Is that enough for thee, Friedel, or wouldst
thou see me a monk at once?"
"Oh, Ebbo, this is what we ever planned. I only dreamed of the other
when--when thou didst seem to be on the other track."
"Well, what can I do more than turn back? I'll get absolution on
Sunday, and tell Father Norbert that I will do any penance he
pleases; and warn Jobst that, if he sets any more traps in the river,
I will drown him there next! Only get this priestly fancy away,
Friedel, once and for ever!"
"Never, never could I think of what would sever us," cried Friedel,
"save--when--" he added, hesitating, unwilling to harp on the former
string. Ebbo broke in imperiously,
"Friedmund von Adlerstein, give me thy solemn word that I never again
hear of this freak of turning priest or hermit.
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