“Humbert!” exclaimed the astonished youth, springing to his feet; and embracing his trusty follower, he poured forth question upon question with such rapidity that Humbert did not even attempt a reply.  When Gilbert had composed himself sufficiently to listen, the gallant retainer began to relate all that had occurred at the lordship of Stramen.  Gilbert listened mute and breathless until informed of the Lady Margaret’s safe arrival and princely reception at the fortress of Tuebingen.  Then, forgetting his rank in his joy and gratitude, he threw his arms around his companion’s neck, and forced into his hands the chain of gold which had nearly proved fatal to him at the tournament.

“The morning after our arrival at Tuebingen—­” resumed Humbert.

“Yes—­go on!” said the youth, who not until then had reflected upon the danger of her position, even at Tuebingen, and was eagerly drinking in the words of his companion.

“The morning after our arrival we saw Henry’s whole army drawn out in the plain.  We were summoned to surrender.  The whole court replied:  ’A Montfort holds no parley with a perjured king and false knight.’  Instantly we were furiously assaulted on all sides.  But the defences were complete and completely manned, and they fell back foiled at every point.  For three long days we held the barbican against their united efforts.  On the morning of the fourth they began to retire, and before sunset we were left without an enemy.  When I found that my services were no longer required, I determined to return to Hers, and then seek you here.”

“Had the Lady Margaret recovered from her fright and fatigue?” asked the youth.

“With the exception of a slight cough, brought on, I suppose, by the rain.”

Gilbert’s next question related to his paternal estate.

“The chapel stands uninjured,” said Humbert.

“And the castle?”

“The blackened walls alone remain!”

“We shall be avenged!” cried the young knight, drawing a deep breath.  “How was the chapel preserved?”

“Numbers of women and children had fled there for protection, and our good Father Herman, standing in the doorway, told the miscreants they must pass over his body.  He would have fallen a victim to his zeal, had not the Duke Godfrey de Bouillon interposed and driven back his soldiers with loud reproaches.”

“Where is Herman now?”

“Among his poor flock, who have lost almost all—­endeavoring to procure them food and shelter, and exhorting them to patience and submission to the will of God.”

“How fared Stramen Castle?”

“Even worse than your own.”

“And the church?” continued Gilbert.

“Was despoiled and fired.”

At this instant the curtain of the tent was parted again, and Father Omehr stood before them.

When informed of the fate of his church, the missionary calmly raised his eyes to heaven and repeated, in a clear, steady voice, those sublime words:  “The Lord has given and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord!”