Similar occurrences were frequent, and he was brave, strong, and skilful enough to cope with any one, even the dreaded Swiss; only he was vexed and troubled because he had disputed with the man to whom he had lost his property.  Besides, his father-in-law had so earnestly enjoined it upon him to put no obstacle in the way of his desire to make peace with the Ortliebs that he was obliged to bow his stiff neck to them.

The arrogant knight’s position was critical, and real inward dignity was unknown to him.  Yet he would rather have been dragged with his brothers to the executioner’s block than humbled himself before the Swiss.  But he must talk with him for the sake of his twin sons, whose heritage he had so shamefully gambled away.  True, the utmost he intended was the confession that, while intoxicated, he had staked his property at the gaming table and said things which he regretted.  Heinz Schorlin’s generosity was well known.  Perhaps he might offer some acceptable arrangement ere the notary conveyed his estate to him.  He did not yet feel that he could stoop so low as to receive a gift from this young upstart.

If his father-in-law, who supported him, was really ruined, as he had just asserted, he would indeed be plunged into beggary, with his wife, whose stately figure constantly rose before him, with a look of mute reproach, his beautiful twin boys, and his load of debt.

The gigantic man felt physically crushed by the terrible blows of fate which had fallen upon him during this last wakeful night.  He would fain have gone to the nearest tavern and there left it to the wine to bring forgetfulness.  To drink, drink constantly, and in the intervals sleep with his head resting on his arms, seemed the most tempting prospect.  But he was obliged to return to the Eysvogels.  There was too much at stake.  Besides, he longed to see the twins who resembled him so closely, and of whom Countess Cordula had said that she hoped they would not be like their father.

ETEXT EDITOR’S BOOKMARKS: 

Abandoned women (required by law to help put out the fires) The heart must not be filled by another’s image

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