I tell you his minions
are on their way to surprise the castle."
Even as Heinz spoke, Christina came panting into the room, and,
hurrying to her son's side, said, "Sir Count, is this just, is this
honourable, thus to return my son's welcome, in his helpless
condition?"
"Mother, are you likewise distracted?" exclaimed Ebbo. "What is all
this madness?"
"Alas, my son, it is no frenzy! There are armed men coming up the
Eagle's Stairs on the one hand and by the Gemsbock's Pass on the
other!"
"But not a hair of your head shall they hurt, lady," said Heinz.
"This fellow's limbs shall be thrown to them over the battlements.
On, Koppel!"
"Off, Koppel!" thundered Ebbo. "Would you brand me with shame for
ever? Were he all the Schlangenwalds in one, he should go as freely
as he came; but he is no more Schlangenwald than I am."
"He has deceived you, my lord," said Heinz. "My lady's own letter to
Schlangenwald was in his chamber. 'Tis a treacherous disguise."
"Fool that thou art!" said Ebbo. "I know this gentleman well. I
knew him at Ulm.
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