for he already knows the persuasive power of my dear betrothed when she
pleads for mercy."

"My consent and support I most willingly bestow," said the Count, with
a fervour that left no doubt of his sincerity.

The double marriage was duly solemnised, and Wilhelm, with his newly-
made wife, completed their journey to Frankfort, escorted until almost
within sight of the capital by five hundred and twenty men, but they
entered the gates of the city accompanied by only the score of
Schonburg men, the remaining five hundred concealing themselves in the
rough country, as they well knew how to do.

Neither Wilhelm nor Elsa had ever seen a large city before, and silence
fell upon them as they approached the western gate, for they were
coming upon a world strange to them, and Wilhelm felt an unaccustomed
elation stir within his breast, as if he were on the edge of some
adventure that might have an important bearing on his future. Instead
of passing peaceably through the gate as he had expected, the cavalcade
was halted after the two had ridden under the gloomy stone archway, and
the portcullis was dropped with a sudden clang, shutting out the twenty
riders who followed. One of several officers who sat on a stone bench
that fronted the guard-house within the walls, rose and came forward.

"What is your name and quality?" he demanded, gruffly.

"I am Wilhelm, son of Count von Schonberg."

"What is your business here in Frankfort?"