CHAPTER III.

THE WICKED BISHOP

"The Rhine is the loveliest river in the world. I know it must be,"
said Bertha.

"Of course it is," answered her brother. "I've seen it, and I ought
to know. And father thinks so, too. He says it is not only
beautiful, but it is also bound into the whole history of our
country. Think of the battles that have been fought on its shores,
and the great generals who have crossed it!"

"Yes, and the castles, Hans! Think of the legends father and mother
have told us about the beautiful princesses who have lived in the
castles, and the brave knights who have fought for them! I shall be
perfectly happy if I can ever sail down the Rhine and see the noted
places on its shores."

"The schoolmaster has taught you all about the war with France,
hasn't he, Bertha?"

"Of course. And it really seemed at one time as if France would make
us Germans agree to have the Rhine divide the two countries. Just as
if we would be willing to let the French own one shore of our
beautiful river. I should say not!"

Bertha's cheeks grew rosier than usual at the thought of such a