“We call upon you to open your gates!” exclaimed a knight, who rode a little in advance.

“To whom?” replied the Lady Margaret, in a loud voice.

“To your rightful king and master, Henry of Austria!”

“We do not own a monarch,” she returned, “who has forfeited the crown, and our gates shall be closed against all who come in his name.”

“You refuse to surrender?”

“Yes!”

“Prepare then, for we will force a passage!”

“We are ready, and invite you to begin!”

The animation which had hitherto supported the maiden gave way, and, all trembling, she descended the rough steps and returned to the castle.

The attack was at once begun.  The assailants were not supplied with cross-bows or instruments for casting stones, and the palmer with the soldiers, who readily submitted to his command, could safely watch their operations from the battlements.  Some with their battle-axes dashed into the moat and swam across to cut the chain which raised the bridge; but hardly had they reached the shore before they were struck down with stones hurled from the walls.  The palmer’s object was to hold out until nightfall, and create as much delay as was attainable.  The sun was already half hidden behind the hills.

But the fall of the bridge now became inevitable.  Their ammunition was exhausted, and three of the assailants, armed with axes, occupied the bridge, while others were arriving at intervals.

“Let us at least gain five minutes,” exclaimed the palmer.  “One sortie for the Pope and Rodolph of Suabia!”

The bars were withdrawn and the gallant band poured out.

“Suabia!” shouted the palmer, as he launched a heavy mace at one who was hewing at the chain, and felled him to the earth.  With a well-aimed thrust he laid another at his feet, and so well was he seconded that the bridge was soon cleared.  This gallant feat was greeted with cries of rage from their opponents on the other bank, many of whom, forgetting their heavy armor in their indignation, leaped into the water and sank, muttering idle imprecations.  For some minutes the defenders held the bridge, but fearful of being intercepted, they made good their retreat and stood safe within the gate, without the loss of a man.

As further resistance was impossible, the bridge was abandoned to its fate, and was speedily lowered, amid the rejoicings and threats of the besiegers.  It was now toward twilight, and the strong gate would baffle their efforts till dark.  When that was won, the ballium and the inner wall could still be disputed.

“There is nothing to be done now,” said the palmer to his companions; “and you had better go to the castle and take some refreshment, for we will soon have need of all our strength.”

As they retired at his suggestion, he climbed to the crenelles and looked anxiously out upon the plain until the men returned; when, resigning the barbican to the warder, he went to receive the thanks of the Lady Margaret, who expressed her gratitude for his services by waiting upon him in person.