The Countess had little acquaintance with fear. She smiled at the
anxious captain and said:

"Her only desire is to reach my heart, Conrad."

"God grant it may not be with a dagger," grumbled the captain, as he
made haste to obey the commands of the lady.

When the Countess entered the room in which Elsa stood, her first
question was an inquiry regarding her visitor's name and station, the
telling of which seemed but an indifferent introduction for the girl,
who could not help noting that the Countess shrank, involuntarily from
her when she heard the Outlaw mentioned.

"Our house has little cause to confer favour on any kin of the Outlaw
of Hundsrueck," the lady said at last.

"I do not ask for favour, my Lady. I have come to give your revenge
completeness, if it is revenge you seek. The young man now imprisoned
in Schonburg is so little esteemed by my uncle that not a single blow
has been struck on his behalf. If the Count thinks to hurt the Outlaw
by executing Wilhelm, he will be gravely in error, for my uncle and his
men regard the captive so lightly that they have gone beyond Mayence
without even making an effort toward his rescue. As for me, my uncle
bestows upon me such affection as he is capable of, and would be more
grieved should I die, than if any other of his kin were taken from him.
Release Wilhelm and I will gladly take his place, content to receive
such punishment as his Lordship, the Count, considers should be imposed
on a relative of the Outlaw."