I found it hard to see clear in this matter.  Yet could I not deem it wise to deny him the first chance of proving himself true and honest; likewise meseemed that our younger brother’s presence would be a safe guard against temptation.  Under the eye of our parent’s pictures I bid him good night for the few hours till he should depart, and when I pointed up to them he understood me, and clasped me fondly in his arms saying:  “Never fear, little mother Margery!”

We were with Herdegen again or ever it was morning.  While we had been sleeping he had written a loving letter to my grand-uncle, who had yesterday forbidden him his presence, to bear witness to his duty and thankfulness.

The cocks still were crowing in the yards, and the country-folk were coming into town with asses and waggons, when I mounted my horse to ride forth with my brother.  He was busied in the courtyard with the new serving-man he had hired, by reason that Eppelein, who for safety’s sake had not been suffered to go with him into hiding, had vanished as it were from the face of the earth.  Nay, and we knew for what cause and reason, for Dame Henneleinlein had counselled the King’s men to seize him, to the end that he might be put on the rack to give tidings of where his master lay hid.  If they had caught him his stout limbs would have fared ill indeed; but the light-hearted varlet was a favorite with the serving men and wenches of the court-folk, jolly at the wine cup and all manner of sport, and thus they had bestowed him away.  And so, while we were living from day to day in great fear, an old charcoal wife would come in from the forest twice or thrice in every week and bring charcoal to the kitchen wench to sell, and albeit she was ever sent away, yet would she come again and ask many questions.

While we were yet tarrying for Herdegen to be ready the old wife came by with her cart, and when she had asked of some needful matters she pulled off her kerchief with a loud laugh, and lo, in her woman’s weed, there stood Eppelein and none other.  Hereupon was much rejoicing and, in a few minutes, the crafty fellow was turned again into a sturdy riding man, albeit beardless.

Eppelein’s return helped Cousin Maud over the grief of leave-taking.  Yet, when at last we must depart, it went hard with her.  At the gate we were met by the Pernharts with Ann and Uncle Christian.  My lord the chief magistrate likewise was there, to bear witness to Herdegen’s departing; also Heinrich Trardorf, his best beloved schoolmate, who had ever been his faithful friend.

We had left the walls and moat of the town far behind us, when we heard swift horses at our heels, and Sir Franz, with two serving-men, joined the fellowship.  My brother had soon found a place at Ann’s side, and we went forward at an easy pace; and if they were minded to kiss, bending from their saddles, they need fear no witness, for the autumn mist was so thick that it hid every one from his nearest neighbor.