"My shoes," said he, hoarsely.

Master Rudolph stepped forward. "But, my Lord Baron," he began
and then stopped short, for the Baron shot him such a look that
his tongue stood still in his head.

Hans saw that look out of his one eye. Down he dropped upon his
knees and, fumbling under the bed, brought forth a pair of soft
leathern shoes, which he slipped upon the Baron's feet and then
laced the thongs above the instep.

"Your shoulder," said the Baron. He rose slowly to his feet,
gripping Hans in the stress of his agony until the fellow winced
again. For a moment he stood as though gathering strength, then
doggedly started forth upon that quest which he had set upon
himself.

At the door he stopped for a moment as though overcome by his
weakness, and there Master Nicholas, his cousin, met him; for
the steward had sent one of the retainers to tell the old man
what the Baron was about to do.

"Thou must go back again, Conrad," said Master Nicholas; "thou
art not fit to be abroad."

The Baron answered him never a word, but he glared at him from
out of his bloodshot eyes and ground his teeth together. Then he
started forth again upon his way.