them, the leader of the enemy being within the gates of Schonburg,
bound, bleeding and a prisoner. The attacking outlaws were nowhere to
be seen.

The youthful captive, unkempt as he was, appeared in the great hall of
the castle before its grey-headed commander, seated in his chair of
state.

"You are the leader of this unwarranted incursion?" said the Count,
sternly, as he looked upon the pinioned lad.

"Warranted or unwarranted, I was the leader."

"Who are you?"

"I am Wilhelm, only son of the Outlaw of Hundsrueck."

"The only son," murmured the Count, more to himself than to his
auditors, the lines hardening round his firm mouth. For some moments
there was a deep silence in the large room, then the Count spoke in a
voice that had no touch of mercy in it:

"You will be taken to a dungeon and your wounds cared for. Seven days
from now, at this hour, you will appear again before me, at which time
just sentence will be passed upon you, after I hear what you have to
say in your own defence."

"You may hear that now, my Lord. I besieged your castle and would
perhaps have taken it, had I not a pack of cowardly dogs at my heels. I
am now in your power, and although you talk glibly of justice, I know