"I am about to rally all who are not cowards round me, then at their
head, I shall attack Castle Schonburg and set Wilhelm free or share his
fate."

The Outlaw stood for a few moments, his back against the door of the
hut, gazing in sullen anger at the girl, seemingly at a loss to know
how she should be dealt with. At last his brow cleared and he spoke:
"Is your interest in Wilhelm due entirely to the fact that you are
cousins?"

A quick flush overspread the girl's fair cheeks with colour and her
eyes sought the floor of the hut. The point of the sword she held
lowered until it rested on the stone flags, and she swayed slightly,
leaning against its hilt, while the keen eyes of her uncle regarded her
critically. She said in a voice little above a whisper, contrasting
strongly with her determined tone of a moment before:

"My interest is due to our relationship alone."

"Has no word of love passed between you?"

"Oh, no, no. Why do you ask me such a question?"

"Because on the answer given depends whether or not I shall entrust you
with knowledge regarding him. Swear to me by the Three Kings of Cologne
that you will tell to none what I will now impart to you."

"I swear," said Elsa, raising her right hand, and holding aloft the
sword with it.