Let me present to your kingly highness
the Freiherr von Adlerstein."
"Thou dost not thyself distinguish between them!" said Maximilian, as
Friedmund stepped back, putting forward Eberhard, whose bright,
lively smile of interest and admiration had been the cause of his
cousin's mistake. They would have doffed their caps and bent the
knee, but were hastily checked by Maximilian. "No, no, Junkern, I
shall owe you no thanks for bringing all the street on me!--that's
enough. Reserve the rest for Kaisar Fritz." Then, familiarly taking
Sir Kasimir's arm, he walked on, saying, "I remember now. Thou
wentest after an inheritance from the old Mouser of the Debateable
Ford, and wert ousted by a couple of lusty boys sprung of a peasant
wedlock."
"Nay, my lord, of a burgher lady, fair as she is wise and virtuous;
who, spite of all hindrances, has bred up these youths in all good
and noble nurture."
"Is this so?" said the king, turning sharp round on the twins. "Are
ye minded to quit freebooting, and come a crusading against the Turks
with me?"
"Everywhere with such a leader!" enthusiastically exclaimed Ebbo.
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