and looked behind them. Then more than one heart failed, for
through the leaves of the trees below, they caught the glint of
armor of those who followed - not more than a mile away. The
next moment they swept over the crest, and there, below them,
lay the broad shining river, and nearer a tributary stream
spanned by a rude, narrow, three-arched, stone bridge where the
road crossed the deep, slow-moving water.

Down the slope plodded the weary horses, and so to the bridge-
head.

"Halt," cried the baron suddenly, and drew rein.

The others stood bewildered. What did he mean to do? He turned
to Hans and his blue eyes shone like steel.

"Hans," said he, in his deep voice, "thou hast served me long
and truly; wilt thou for this one last time do my bidding?"

"Aye," said Hans, briefly.

"Swear it," said the Baron.

"I swear it," said Hans, and he drew the sign of the cross upon
his heart.

"That is good," said the Baron, grimly. "Then take thou this
child, and with the others ride with all the speed that thou
canst to St. Michaelsburg. Give the child into the charge of the
Abbot Otto. Tell him how that I have sworn fealty to the