Interruption came at last, however. There was a sudden knock at the
door at noon, and with scant ceremony Heinz entered, followed by
three other of the men-at-arms, fully equipped.
"Ha! what means this?" demanded Ebbo.
"Peace, Sir Baron," said Heinz, advancing so as to place his large
person between Ebbo's bed and the strange hunter. "You know nothing
of it. We are not going to lose you as well as your brother, and we
mean to see how this knight likes to serve as a hostage instead of
opening the gates as a traitor spy. On him, Koppel! it is thy
right."
"Hands off! at your peril, villains!" exclaimed Ebbo, sitting up, and
speaking in the steady resolute voice that had so early rendered him
thoroughly their master, but much perplexed and dismayed, and
entirely unassisted by Theurdank, who stood looking on with almost a
smile, as if diverted by his predicament.
"By your leave, Herr Freiherr," said Heinz, putting his hand on his
shoulder, "this is no concern of yours. While you cannot guard
yourself or my lady, it is our part to do so.
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