A messenger hastened on in advance, the thunder of artillery and fanfare
of music greeted the victors, as they marched through the gate. Ulrich
sprang from his horse in front of the guildhall and was received by the
captain, who had commanded during his absence.

The Eletto hastily described the course of the brilliant, victorious
march, and then asked what had happened.

The captain lowered his eyes in embarrassment, saying, in a low tone:
"Nothing of great importance; but day before yesterday a wicked deed was
committed, which will vex you. The woman you love, the camp sibyl...."

"Who? What? What do you mean?"

"She went to Zorrillo, and he--you must not be startled--he stabbed her."

Ulrich staggered back, repeating, in a hollow tone "Stabbed!" Then
seizing the other by the shoulder, he shrieked: "Stabbed! That means
murdered-killed!"

"He thrust his dagger into her heart, she must have died as quickly as if
struck by lightning. Then Zorrillo went away, God knows where. Who
could suspect, that the quiet man...."

"You let him escape, helped the murderer get off, you dogs!" raved the
wretched man. "We will speak of this again. Where is she, where is her
body?"

The captain shrugged his shoulders, saying, in a soothing tone: "Calm