dream. When they were alone together, the girl spoke.

"Uncle, has madness overcome you?"

"I was never saner than now, nor happier, for years of waiting are
approaching their culmination."

"Has, then, all valour left your heart?"

"Your question will be answered when next I lead my band."

"When next you lead it? Where will you lead it?"

"Probably in the vicinity of Mayence, toward which place we are about
to journey."

"Is it possible that you retreat from here without attempting the
rescue of your son, now in the hands of your lifelong enemy?"

"All things are possible in an existence like ours. The boy would
assault the castle; he has failed and has allowed himself to be taken.
It is the fortune of war and I shall not waste a man in attempting his
rescue."

Elsa stood for a moment gazing in dismay at her uncle, whose shifty
eyes evaded all encounter with hers, then she strode to the wall, took
down a sword and turned without a word to the door. The Outlaw sprang
between her and the exit.

"What are you about to do?" he cried.