"It is not requisite," answered Drost Peter, knitting his brows. "If he

travels this way, we shall meet him, time enough, at Nyborg."

"But, should _he_ speak first with the king, sir, you know well how it

will go."

"That I know very well," answered the drost: "let him ride on."

The young squire was silent, and discreetly returned to his former

station, behind his master and his distinguished companions.

"A magnificent country!" exclaimed Count Gerhard, surveying, with

delight, the shining, fragrant meadows, which, gilded by the morning

sun, lay beautifully extended before his happy, cheerful eyes.

"Truly so," answered Drost Peter, with a melancholy seriousness. "Were

the people as happy as the land is fair and pleasant to behold, Denmark

were still a terrestrial paradise. But we have come into the world a

few generations too late, noble count. It was quite other times to

those who lived in the youthful days of Waldemar Seier, or in the days

of his exalted father."

"Not only is the land the same, sir drost," said the count, "but the

people, at bottom, are also the same. Let only a great Waldemar once

more arise among you, and you will have the renowned old days again.

The glory you now deplore made many eyes overflow, in the time of my

brave ancestors; and we counts of Holstein have no great reason to

desire a renewal of their splendour. Yet I were but an indifferent

knight, if I did not admire these glorious times; and I do not blame

any Dane who regrets them. But what say you of our young Prince

Erik--the little king, as we may already call him? I know he has you

for his instructor in the art of arms, and he ought to be half a knight

already."

"On him now repose my hopes, and those of every Danish heart," replied

the drost; "and, if it please God, we shall not be ashamed of it. Allow

time for the bud to expand, and I promise you, at least, that none in

the land shall do a cowardly or unrighteous deed with impunity: and

that is much. Denmark, to be happy, requires at all times a great man

upon the throne. The glorious days that it would be imperishable honour

to win, I do not expect to be brought about in our times. A hundred

years hence, and perhaps no one will remember the names we now hear

most frequently at the court of Denmark; but the pillars that support a

tottering throne stand not there in vain, though they may be hidden

beneath its ruins, and forgotten."

"Whom do you reckon among the pillars, then, sir drost, besides

yourself?" inquired Count Gerhard, in a half-jocular tone, and as if

unwilling to enter too deeply into a conversation so serious, that did

not comport with his habitual careless gaiety.

"I regret that I cannot yet number myself among the meritorious men of

the country, and deserving adherents of the royal house," replied the

young drost, modestly; "but, should I live to become as old and

sagacious as our brave John Little, as stout and bold as David

Thorstenson or Benedict Rimaardson, and as wise as the prior of

Antvorskov, our learned Master Martin, I should hope to earn a name

that, in our times, at least, no friend of Denmark and the Danish

monarchy should forget."

"In troth, four brave and able men are those," replied the count. "And

yet, I have heard say that old Sir John is a stern, hard-hearted

taskmaster."

"He is a strict and upright man, and must, therefore, in such lax and

lawless times, hear of much wickedness," said the drost, zealously. "He

holds by law and justice, and makes no distinction between the peasant

and the prelate. But whilst he is stern and bold, he is also sagacious

and prudent: he effected the reconciliation with Archbishop Jacob, and

relieved the country from ban and interdict--he was umpire in the

dispute for the Swedish crown, and told King Magnus some hard

truths--and he was not afraid to take part against his own king when,

last year, he was judge respecting the inheritance of the princesses. A

more upright and able man you cannot show me in Denmark."

"Now, indeed, I know that he is your pattern of a statesman," replied

the count, with a smile; "and I have a great regard for the man. But

the learned gentleman you mention, you must admit, with all his piety

and wisdom, to be a great fool, nevertheless. I can readily believe

that he is a great theologian and philosopher; but when he comes with

his antiquities and his logicorum, or whatever it is called, he does

not concern himself about those he may be talking to, and, with his

learning, almost drives laymen crazy. Come hither, Daddy Longlegs: thou

canst show us how the learned gentleman behaves himself--him we saw

with the Count of Hennegau last year--he who had come straight from

Paris, and who had made the learned discovery--Master Morten Mogesen."

"Magister Martinus de Dacia, surnamed Magni Filius, which signifies

'Son of the Great,'" said the half-learned jester, pedantically. "No

learned man would condescend to call himself Master Morten Mogesen,

after having once passed to the other side of the isthmus." Here he

suddenly assumed the grave demeanour of a schoolman, drew himself up,

and spoke in a kind of mysterious whisper.

"Capital! there we have the man exactly!" exclaimed the count,

laughing.

Maintaining the same posture, the jester began a discourse, full of

logical terms, on the importance of adequately understanding the

Martinian modi significandi in logica.[12]

The complete caricature of the famous Master Martin's entire mode and

manner, as well as of his voice and countenance, amused Count Gerhard

exceedingly: he held his sides, and laughed until tears ran from his

eyes. The two young knights belonging to his train also laughed

immoderately; and Drost Peter smiled in spite of himself,

notwithstanding that the jest highly displeased and vexed him.

"I must confess, sir count," he said, gravely, as soon as the general

laughter permitted him to speak, "your jester perfectly understands how

to make sensible people ridiculous, by imitating and exaggerating their

personal defects and foibles, excluding, however, whatever is worthy

and honourable in their character, which grimacing cannot counterfeit.

In my young days, this was called making faces at people, and, as a

malicious kind of waggery, was rewarded with a switch and a sound

drubbing. The famous Master Martin is my preceptor and confessor; and

those who, after this explanation, continue to jeer or find fault with

him, were it even yourself, illustrious count, shall have to do with

me, as long as I can move an arm or raise my knightly sword."

"Now, you must permit me to indulge my humour at your own expense, sir

drost," replied the count, still laughing. "Are people in Denmark such

barbarians, that they have neither sense to enjoy the frank mimic art

themselves, nor allow others to be amused with it? What signify to me

your learned confessor's virtues, when I require only his follies to

promote my health and exercise my lungs in an innocent, good-natured

manner? If, indeed, we must fall out about that, sir knight, at the

proper time and place it will afford me an excellent joke; but as I

never fight for trifles in the morning, or upon an empty stomach, we

can, if it please you, defer it until we have had dinner at Odense. In

the meanwhile, let me assure you that I have a great esteem for your

learned Master Martin, and heartily believe him to be a worthy and

distinguished man."

"Whom I honour and esteem, I can never make a jest of," replied Drost

Peter, zealously. "It may, perhaps, be the fashion in other countries;

but, praise to God, we Danes do not yet understand it."

"That is, indeed, a fault with all of you," replied the count; "and

therefore you are often, with injustice, regarded as simple-minded,

although, in fact, it is only the want of a gay, light humour. You are,

in consequence, as much one-sided in your praise as in your blame.

Human nature is not yet perfect. It promotes truth, and nourishes

humility, when one has an eye for the defective as well as for the

excellent, as they lie in heaps in this fair, comical world. I know no

one who has not his folly and his ridiculous side: with the most

distinguished men, this is the more perceptible; and my best friends

may perceive that I laugh at what is ridiculous in them, while I

respect their virtues as they deserve. The same freedom I allow to

every one who knows me; and, should you ever feel disposed to laugh at

my expense, you will see that it does not annoy me. Come, Daddy

Longlegs, show this gentleman how I behave myself when seriousness

turns me crazy."

The jester bowed upon his horse in a respectful manner, and then

assumed a comical expression of great good humour, which speedily

passed from laughter to the deepest earnestness, and, from that, to the

most uncontrollable fury. To carry out this farce in a fitting manner,

he drew his wooden sword, and attacked the company, without

distinction, like a madman.

"Hold, hold! Enough, Longlegs! You will drive our horses wild, and that

will be confoundedly bad," shouted the count, reining in his steed with

difficulty, while he laughed, and rubbed his left arm, upon which the

jester had dealt him a blow.

"If this be the way in which people divert themselves at your court,

sir count, I have not more to complain of than yourself," said Drost

Peter, laughing; "but still, you have not convinced me of the propriety

of your singular amusement."

Jesting in this friendly manner, they continued their journey to

Odense, where Count Gerhard and the knights were to dine. When they

recommenced their journey towards Nyborg, in the afternoon, their

little difference appeared to be altogether forgotten. The count and

Drost Peter had now become such good friends, that they had sent their

followers in advance, to be able to discourse together more freely, and

without interruption. Their conversation was of the Dane-court, which

was to be held on the following day at Nyborg, and respecting the

unhappy dispute with Duke Waldemar, who had laid claim to the entire

kingdom, and insisted upon his heirship to Alsen and many of the crown

possessions.

"For my part, they may decide the matter to-morrow as they please,"

said Count Gerhard, with apparent indifference; "but, if you would know

my opinion, sir drost, I must honestly confess that I consider the

young duke to be in the right, so long as he only demands his

ancestorial fief intact, and does not aim at higher objects. The son

can never forget what his father, the unfortunate Duke Erik, was

obliged to undergo. His right of succession to the dukedom was

unquestionable; but he was feasted with empty promises, until, at

length, he became maddened, and appealed to the umpire which every

prince and knight carries by his side. I do not blame him for that;

but, that he became a pious hang-the-head when that miscarried, and

died of vexation in a cloister, was stupid. The manner in which they

have since treated the son, you cannot defend; for it is unnecessary.

Had you been well advised in time, it would never have happened."

"But you must, nevertheless, confess that it was in the highest degree

unjust, and a matchless piece of foolhardiness," interrupted Drost

Peter, warmly.

"I know what you would say," continued the count; "but the one

injustice has now taken the other by the tail. Duke Waldemar, as the

king's ward by compulsion, might have grown old and gray before he

could obtain a foot of land of his ancestor's fief, had he not, while a

youth, taken the bull by the horns, and manfully insisted upon his

rights. He managed the matter bravely, and it might now be amicably

settled. But why do they continue, so meanly and pitifully, to irritate

him, and withhold the beggarly islets from him? Hence the entire

misfortune. But for this injustice, he would scarcely have opened his

mouth so wide, and threatened to swallow the whole of Denmark. Now he

is of age, and has become too strong for you: he is haughty and

unmanageable, and you must beware how you hold out the rod to him.

These are troublous times, sir drost. The discontent of the nobles

happens opportunely for the duke. But do not let us any longer think on

these perplexing matters. I do not mix myself up in state affairs, so

long as I am left in peace. I am going, as I said, to the Dane-court,

to amuse myself, and to see the charming Queen Agnes; and that, you

must confess, is a fair and legitimate object for my journey."

At the last turn which the count gave to the conversation, Drost Peter

blushed, and appeared to hesitate. "The homage you would pay our noble

queen, sir count," he began, gravely, "she most truly deserves, and no

one can blame you that you do not yield in courtesy to any of our

Danish chivalry; but, that you travel to the Danish court for that

purpose alone, I cannot credit. If you intend to support Duke

Waldemar's audacious demands, consider it well. The independence of the

crown and kingdom is at stake. If they do not allow the matter to be

legally settled by umpires, and if both sides are not contented with

such an arrangement, a sanguinary civil war is to be apprehended."

"As I have already told you, sir drost, I do not in any way mix myself

up in these state affairs. Is it certain, then, that the whole court,

with the fair and lovely queen, is at Nyborg?"

"That, at least, was the determination," replied Drost Peter, coldly,

feeling much annoyed by the count's frankness, which he appeared to

consider as injurious to the queen's person and the royal house. "I

think it singular, sir count," he continued, with suppressed

indignation, "that you should express so unreservedly what every

discreet knight and admirer of beauty is wont only to display in his

colours or on his shield; especially in a case like this, where

knightly homage has its narrow and prescribed limits. I cannot

reconcile this extreme admiration for the fair with your affliction as

a widower."

"I have, in general, a quiet and contented mind, sir drost," replied

the count, carelessly; "and that accounts for it, you may be assured. I

contract my narrow world more than is consistent with my health and

happiness. What pleases or displeases me I can make no secret of, least

of all before friends; and if you find any singularity or amusement in

that, you are welcome. I am glad when I can reconcile my pleasures with

those of others."

"But this candour and amusement of your's, sir count, I consider as

offensive to the exalted lady whose colours I bear with profound

respect, as well as to my master and king himself; and you must excuse

me, if I venture to disturb your calm and happy humour."

"So, so!" interrupted the count, suddenly changing his air of

indifference for one of the utmost sternness. "Is that the case? Now I

know what I have to expect, and shall be at your service immediately,

as I promised you in the morning. But, first, I will make my candour

intelligible, sir drost. If you come in harness against me, for my

undisguised attachment to your exalted mistress, I shall only see

established the truth of certain unintelligible rumours, which you are

probably as well acquainted with as I am."

"Rumours?" rejoined the young drost, becoming fiery red: "if they are

rumours that sully my own honour, or that of a more exalted personage,

they are liars and slanderers who utter them, and shameless niddings

who credit them."

"What respects the exalted lady who suffers most from these rumours,"

returned the count, with a look of fire, "I am far from believing. But,

as regards you, my young high-flying gentleman, I have reason now to

believe that the height to which fortune has carried you has made you

somewhat giddy, and that the eagle on your crest spreads his wings so

wide that they stand in need of clipping."

Drost Peter became pale with indignation, and grasped his sword.

"I might choose other means to bring you back to reflection, and to

awake you from a mad and perilous dream," continued the enraged count:

"you walk, with closed eyes, upon a precipice. I need only mention your

name, at the proper time and place, to see you fall headlong; but I

dream, in a manner, the same dream myself. I readily admit that, in me,

it is a folly, leading only to a bedlam: but that is my affair. My

madness is still, at least, disinterested; and I do not use it as a

degrading means of soaring aloft by a woman's favour. I have not yet,

like you, brought our noble mistress into evil repute, by improper

familiarities before the eyes of others. As her true knight and

defender, I intend now to chastise your insolence. My sword is drawn,

sir drost--defend yourself!"

Like two flashing beams, the swords of both knights descended and met.

They fought long, with the greatest ardour, but with about equal skill,

without either being able to inflict on the other any considerable

wound. After a time, Drost Peter recovered his self-possession, and his

blows did not fall so fast, but were better directed. On the other

hand, Count Gerhard's arm and shoulder bled; and, becoming furious, he

struck so wildly about him, in all directions, that the most skilful

swordsman could not reckon on parrying all his blows. Drost Peter was

already bleeding from several wounds, and his strength began to fail

him; but now his infuriated antagonist, meaning to inflict a mortal

wound in his neck, laid himself entirely open. The wounded knight

dexterously availed himself of this critical moment, and suddenly

disarmed the count, at the same time wounding him deeply in the breast,

when Gerhard fell back on his horse, and the sword dropped from his

hand. Scarcely had the decisive stroke been given, ere Drost Peter,

springing from his horse, came to his antagonist's assistance; but,

before he could reach him, the count sank, fainting, from the saddle.

Like a practised chirurgeon, Drost Peter immediately sought for the

wound, and found it deep, but not mortal. He took the necessary

bandages, and a healing salve, which he usually carried at his

saddle-bow, and, when the count again opened his eyes, he found himself

bound up most carefully. His rage had disappeared, and his countenance

again assumed its gay good humour.

"It was, in truth, a warm tussle, that had not much fun in it," he

said. "I have besmeared you vilely, drost. Your wounds bleed freely,

and yet you have bound mine first. That is more than I could have

expected from a rival. Suffer me now to do you a similar service: or

can you do it yourself? I am a bad hand at it." He would have risen,

but fell back with faintness.

"Your wound is tolerably deep, but not dangerous, noble count," said

Drost Peter: "when you have somewhat recovered your strength, I shall

assist you to your saddle. I think, indeed, we may reach Nyborg, if we

travel gently. You have so hacked and hewed me, right and left,

contrary to all rule, that I shall have enough to do to patch all the

slits. But they are nothing to signify. The chink in the neck

incommodes me the most: I believe you had a special wish to behead me."

"Naturally enough," replied the count; "unless, indeed, the head had

not supplanted me with the fair lady, in whose honour we shall now

present ourselves, like live hashed-meat, at the Dane-court. I have

not, however, cut you so deep in the neck, but that your head can sit

steadily. And, now that I think of it, it was but an absurd, confounded

rumour we quarrelled about. You have hewed me altogether so bravely,

that I cannot longer believe any ill of you."

Drost Peter had, in the meantime, bound a linen cloth about his

bleeding neck, and, for this purpose, had been obliged to unloose the

ruby rosary to which the amber bead was attached. With a quiet smile,

he held out the trinket to his wounded antagonist.

"In my own justification, I shall inform you, excellent Count Gerhard,

that this pearl is a love-token from my future wife. I have not

seen her, indeed, since she played with dolls, and I myself rode a

cock-horse; but still she is my destined bride: I promised this, with

childish thoughtlessness, to my dying father. She now only presents

herself to my mind as an innocent, angelic child--a half-forgotten

vision. Perhaps I shall not be able to love her when I again see her.

Nevertheless, to none other shall I give my hand; and, by my knightly

honour, I am not conscious of any faithlessness to her. What I feel

towards our common exalted mistress is only admiration and chivalrous

respect, which neither love nor hate shall deprive me of."

"Here is my hand!" exclaimed Count Gerhard, heartily. "We two are

trusty friends in life and in death. He who, from this day forward,

says an evil word of Drost Peter Hessel, shall have his nose and ears

hacked off by me, as sure as my name is Count Gerhard."

Drost Peter heartily reciprocated his warm grasp, and assisted him upon

his horse. He then sprang quickly into his own saddle, and, with

friendly interchange of confidence, the wounded knights leisurely

continued their journey.

It was late in the evening as they approached Nyborg. They were riding

northward, between Helletoft and Sprotoft, where the road leads to the

town, which, however, could not yet be seen, on account of the great

wood of oak and beech which concealed it from the land side. It was a

fine, clear, spring evening. The waning moon had just risen, and

lighted up the knotted oaks, with their still naked branches; while the

newly-blossomed beeches formed, as it were, over the travellers, the

arches of a peaceful temple. The warm combat and its consequences, as

well as the friendly relations that had since been established between

the knights, rendered them thoughtful, and they now rode in silence

through the wood, busied, seemingly, with their own reflections, while,

from the adjacent copse, the thrilling notes of the nightingale fell

upon their ears.

"But how far are we now from the town? I thought we had been in its

vicinity," said Count Gerhard, at length, a little impatiently, under

the smarting of his wound. "Another time, perhaps, you may put a better

edge upon your sword, Drost Peter: it will tear the flesh less, and go

a little deeper. I cannot bear to be scratched to death."

"Had it gone a finger's-breadth deeper, noble count, we had not heard

the nightingales together this evening," replied Drost Peter. "But, God

and our lady be praised! there is no danger, and the wound will not

trouble you long, if you be only a little careful. I know my salve: it

is from Henrik Harpestræng's prescription."

"May your words prove true," returned the count. "He certainly spread

the plaster for Waldemar Seier's eye. But how shall I manage in this

plight?" he continued, somewhat annoyed: "I shall not be able to show

myself at the palace in this figure, like a ruffled cock, and I am not

much acquainted with the town. Is there an ordinary inn?"

"Of inns there is no lack, noble sir. Since the Dane-court has been

held here so frequently, the little town has been wonderfully extended.

But, since you cannot go wounded to the palace, to frighten all the

queen's fair maids, accept of a lodging and attendance with me."

"With you, drost bachelor? When, then, did you turn citizen, and become

a Nyborg housekeeper?"

"Last year, if you will, though on a small scale. In my position, you

know, I have scarcely a home anywhere. My ancestral seat, at

Harrestrup, I rare see once a year. When the court is at Rypen, I

reside with the prince in the palace; but that is seldom long. When

here, I lodge alone. The palace can scarcely accommodate the numerous

princely lords who here assemble for the Dane-court. I have, therefore,

followed the example of the last drost, and, like Knight John, built

for myself a good stone house, by the Nordre-Dam. There, I am near the

court and palace, in the midst of the counsellors and king's tenants,

and yet my own master."

"Ay, that is well. I am your guest, then, without farther ceremony. And

since, after the good old fashion, you understand how to heal as well

as how to break the skin, it could not have happened better."

"It is certainly the last time this hand shall perform such a piece of

surgery on you," replied Drost Peter, holding out a friendly hand to

his companion. "Meantime, you must accept of a bachelor's

accommodation. I am not much versed in housekeeping; but my old

foster-mother, Dorothy, is well skilled in it. I intended, previously,

to be your host to-night, and my squire has taken care to provide an

entertainment."

"A goblet of potent wine," said the count, "is needful after such a

bloodletting."

"That is not exactly in accordance with old Master Henrik's

receipt-book; but, still, with your strong constitution, I think you

may venture it."

"A fig for your receipt-book and old Master Henrik! He was only a

clerk: what should he understand of the constitution of a count of

Holstein? Wine I can bear, were I even lying in extreme unction, like

my blessed father--God rest his soul! I shall not die, as long as I can

swallow a good draught of wine, nor shall a heart-sore of any kind ever

overcome me. There are not, indeed, many people who get fat upon

unfortunate love," he added, with a light sigh; "but still, with wine

and a jester, one may succeed. I may not be able to boast of my success

in love, yet, as you may perceive, I am in good condition."

"You still sorrow, then, over the death of your young wife," said Drost

Peter, sympathisingly; "that I could well see."

"Sorrow! Who dares to say that I sorrow?" interrupted the count. "When

any one grieves at my court, I give my fool permission to bang him with

cats'-tails. Now, since you are my trusty friend," he continued, "I

shall tell you how matters stand with me. Had I seen the Danish

queen before last year, I had still been a bachelor perhaps, not a

widower--and I had never wooed a Swedish princess. It is accursed state

policy that makes almost every prince a fool; but I had the reward I

merited. The princess found the Holstein count too poor to live with,

and so she died; and all the honour I have gained is that of being

son-in-law to a fool of an ex-king, whom any Danish knight could tear

into shreds, and who is now running about from land to land, like a

madman, along with a bastard woman."

For some time they rode along in silence.

"No one can have great respect for your unfortunate father-in-law,"

said Drost Peter, thoughtfully, as he dwelt, in imagination, on the

Swedish King Waldemar's dethronement. "He did no honour to his great

name, it is true; but, still, he was king of Sweden, by law and right.

To me, it is a sad thought, that the unfortunate example has been set

to other nations, of a crowned and anointed king being so overthrown.

It was one of our proud Stig Andersen's doings; and therein he exceeded

the king's mandate and authority. The Swedish people will not better

themselves by the bargain: for a weak and sensual, but a good-natured,

and, at times, even a devout king, they have taken a strong and

prudent, but a fierce and sanguinary tyrant. For the despised log, they

have taken a hydra. King Magnus has now taught them, with his

headsman's axe, that no Swedish knight carries his head so high, that

he may not strike it off."

"An able king is the Swedish Magnus--that you must, nevertheless,

admit," replied the count. "I do not boast of him because he is my

brother-in-law; but this I know, that he is not called Magnus, or

Ladislaus, in vain. If he does, at times, strike off the heads of some

of the haughty great ones, still the small have reason to extol him: he

has put locks upon their doors in earnest, and suffers not petty

tyrants to rule where he sways the sceptre."

"There you are right, Count Gerhard. He thinks that one great tyrant is

quite enough for Sweden, and, with your and Queen Hedwig's permission,

that he himself should be the man. Matters are not yet come to this

extremity in Denmark, however bad they may be; but if Stig Andersen and

his friends were at liberty to dethrone and set up kings at their

pleasure, you would soon see in what a sea of blood we should swim."

With such conversation, they arrived at the town-gate, where they were

stopped by an armed burgher, who, in the governor's name, sternly,

demanded, who they were, and whither they were going. As soon as Drost

Peter had announced his own name and that of Count Gerhard of Holstein,

the stern officer made a profound bow, but still reminded the

distinguished travellers of the seventh article in the civic law of

Nyborg.

"Good," replied the drost: "it is right to remind us thereof." And they

rode on without hindrance.

"They must be very strict here," said the count, "when the drost

himself must be reminded of the law. What have their tiresome bye-laws

to do with us?"

"It was in his orders," answered Drost Peter. "No stranger must here

carry his weapon farther than to his inn; and every traveller must be

apprised of this. The presence of the king, and of the numerous

strangers, render such a precaution necessary. Of what use are strict

laws, unless they are enforced? The man did not know me; but he knew

that I do not suffer myself to be made an exception in these matters."

"The plague! Are we prisoners of war here, in the midst of peace? This

is ridiculous!" exclaimed the count. "Is the monstrous Riben bye-law in

force here? God preserve us from the Ribe-Ret! as we say in Kiel."

"Let us not talk too loud about this, noble count," replied Drost

Peter, riding closer up to him, while he continued, in a subdued tone:

"it is truly a great misfortune, when the law itself renders its

transgression necessary. What has made the Ribe-Ret to be so decried

there, has here, in part, fallen into disuse. In some points, however,

the bye-laws here are too severe, and almost cruel. If it please God,

in due time it shall be otherwise."

They now rode past the old Lady Kirk, which, with its lofty spire,

stood in a green space, called Helletoft, where also stood several

separate buildings, in the same Gothic style as the church, with

pointed gables and small round windows.

"Who lives here?" inquired the count: "it looks as still and dreary as

a convent."

"Here abide the clerks and vergers of Our Lady's Kirk," answered Drost

Peter. "If you yearn after life and merriment, they will not be wanting

here, when we pass to the palace. There are twice as many people in the

town now as there are at other times, and, on such occasions, the mead

and strong ale are not stinted. Fighting and disorder follow as a

consequence; but these are, perhaps, looked after with greater

vigilance, and punished with more severity, than is requisite. Those

armed fellows you see there are the governor's people: they, too, will

probably stop us."

It happened as Drost Peter had surmised: the travellers found their

horses seized by six armed burghers, who demanded whether they did not

know the bye-law, that they rode armed. Upon the drost's explanation,

that they had just entered the town, and were riding to their dwelling,

they were allowed to proceed; followed, however, by three of the strict

officials, to watch their motions.

"Here the king should be secure enough," whispered the count, much

annoyed. "The fellows look upon us as if they suspected a traitor in

every stranger."

"Unfortunately, there is reason for it, noble count; but here we are

accustomed to it. It disturbs no burgher's merriment. Hear you, now,

how they are singing there, by the old stone house with the pointed

gable? It is the burgher-watch of the Town-hall. Now they are drinking

the king's health."

"There are not a few. Has Nyborg so many burghers?"

"These are only a third part of them. The rest are on guard at the

palace. The king has not more devoted subjects. He has also done much

for the town, and specially favours it. Were he not in greater security

here than elsewhere, the Dane-court would be removed to some other

town, and then there would be an end to Nyborg's prosperity."

They now rode past the palace. It was a strong building, of

considerable extent, with four wings, built of free-stone and burnt

bricks, and protected by a massive wall, a deep moat, and four lofty

turrets. From the small round windows streamed the light of numerous

torches, and the music of flutes and violins was audible. A promiscuous

crowd was in motion outside the walls, but without much noise, and with

an order and gentleness amounting almost to anxiety, whilst the armed

officials went to and fro, frequently exhorting them to quietness.

"What is to be seen here?" inquired the count.

"Over the wall there may be seen the dancing in the knights' saloon,"

replied Drost Peter.

Count Gerhard became attentive: he observed a tall, majestic female

figure flit past the middle window, and he stopped his horse.

"The queen!--see, the queen!" he heard the curious spectators whisper

to one another.

"It is the duke she is dancing with," said one.

"Nay, that it is not: it is the handsome young Drost Hessel. Look, how

proud he dances! Lofty thoughts he has, you may trow," exclaimed

another.

"Come, noble count," said Drost Peter, hastily, "let us not get into

the crowd, with our unruly horses. We are now close to my dwelling."

They rode on a little way, and stopped at a dark-looking house, where,

on the high stone steps, stood a squire, bearing a torch.

"You are arrived at last, sir," cried Claus Skirmen, springing towards

him with the torch. "Has any mischance befallen you? I ventured not to

disobey your commands by leaving the house myself; but I have sent all

the servants out in search of you."

"We have had a little encounter with a pair of hasty young knights on

our way," said Drost Peter, "and my noble guest has been somewhat

severely wounded. Assist him carefully from his horse. Is all in

order?"

"As you have commanded, sir. But are you not also wounded? Shall I

bring a surgeon?"

"That is unnecessary, so long as you and I are here. We would have no

talk about the matter. Attend only to the count."

Not without wincing and sundry oaths did the wounded Count Gerhard

dismount from his horse, and ascend the high stone steps, where his two

knights and the lanky jester received him with sympathising attentions.

"A truce with condolences," said the count. "I am both bound and

salved. Let me only get to table, and have something to live on."

Claus Skirmen went hastily forwards, and conducted the count, through

an ante-room, into a spacious vaulted apartment, where stood a covered

table, with tall wax-lights, and well garnished with provisions and

bright silver wine-flagons.

Count Gerhard regarded these preparations with satisfaction, and

immediately threw himself into a chair; and, the better to seat

himself, he released his sword from its belt. As he held it in his

hand, he recollected the intimation he had received at the city-gate.

"'Sdeath!" he said, "if we must behave as you say, sir drost, we must

now, like prisoners of war, hand you over our weapons, since you are

host."

"Now, indeed," replied Drost Peter, "it is well you recollected it;

for, truth to say, I had forgotten it; and, if I had not, I should have

been forced to request you to do so."

"But if now I should not obey the mandate," inquired the count, "what

are the consequences?"

"If you were ignorant of the law, and by a solemn oath could pledge

yourself to that effect, the penalty is only a mark-penny to the

governor, and one to the town. The same penalty is inflicted on the

housekeeper who does not inform his guest of the law."

"But, now that I know this stupid ordinance, and yet will not allow

myself to be disarmed, what great misfortune follows?"

"Without being displeased, allow me to answer you in the words of the

law itself, Count Gerhard. 'If the guest is reminded, and wears his

weapon nevertheless,' it says, 'then, with the same spear, sword, or

knife, shall he be run through.'"

"Oh, what a mischance! Not through the heart or gizzard?"

"Through the hand, noble count. There hangs the table of the law: you

can read it yourself."

"The devil take such stupidities! There lies my sword. You do the same,

gentlemen." With these words Count Gerhard cast his sword into a

corner. His knights followed his example.

Drost Peter took his own sword, and placed it by the side of the

others. "I must submit to the same law," he said, with a courteous bow;

"and I hope, my honoured guests, that you will not think ill of me, on

account of its strictness here. Be seated, gentlemen, and let us be

merry."

This invitation to merriment was supported by the jester, who had

already seated himself, and now arose with a look of the most grave

importance. He approached Drost Peter with solemn step, and, with a

deep bow, handed him his wooden sword. "Take care of that, honoured sir

host," he said: "it is the famous sword Tyrfing, which cannot be

unsheathed without shedding blood. Look to it, that it does no mischief

in this excellent city."

Drost Peter handed him his sword back again, as a mark of honour, at

which they all laughed heartily, and took their places in the heavy,

high-backed oaken chairs. The articles of silver, and the costly table

appointments, testified that they were in the house of a person of

opulence. Of male attendants, and supple pages, there was no lack; and

yet it appeared extraordinary, that the polished floor was not swept,

and that the dust lay thick on the backs of the chairs, and upon the

window-sills.

"Where is old Dorothy?" asked Drost Peter of the squire, whilst Count

Gerhard and the strangers were engaged with the viands. "She was wont

to keep the house as bright as a shield."

"Alas, that is true, sir," answered Skirmen; "but poor Dorothy

Brushbroom has gone quite crazy. She took a little bit of lead from a

window of Our Lady's Kirk, to cure a girl who was bewitched. She has

been thrown into the thieves' hole, and, it is said, will be sentenced

to-morrow."

"God pity her!" exclaimed Drost Peter, warmly, rising from the table.

"The unfortunate creature!"

"What is the matter, my worthy host?" inquired Count Gerhard. "Has

anything disastrous happened in the house? With wife and child I know

you are not embarrassed. What household sorrow, then, can thus trouble

a bachelor?"

"A greater affliction than any one trows," answered Drost Peter. "I

have an old trusty nurse: she has loved and been with me since I was

quite a child. She is a true affectionate soul, who would readily die

for me. She is the best wife in the world, and has kept house for me

with the greatest order and trustworthiness; but her head is filled

with stories of goblins, witches, and dwarfs; and, as soon as any one

is taken ill, she believes, in the simplicity of her heart, that they

have seen the elfin-king, or have been bewitched by Nixes, and then

will she have a remedy of holy church lead, or such-like singular

means. Now she is taken and imprisoned for a bit of metal that cannot

be worth a doit. The poor creature!"

Some of the gentlemen smiled, and the jester made one of his droll

faces.

"Now, what great misfortune is there in this?" inquired Count Gerhard.

"The bit of lead you can outweigh with a silver penny. The old soul

will be released in a day or two, and, in the meantime, another may

sweep your floor."

"It is death to her, Count Gerhard, even if it had not happened in the

church. You are not aware of the laws of Nyborg. Every man who is

guilty of theft is hanged; but a woman is buried alive."

"And are you all mad, then?" demanded Count Gerhard. "Shall a woman be

thus inhumanly punished? Is the crime more atrocious in her than in a

man? You jest, sir drost."

"If you do not believe me, noble sir, read for yourself. There are the

bye-laws affixed to the door-post. Read but the twenty-ninth article,

and you will see that, unfortunately, I am not jesting."

"Read it, Longlegs!" cried out the count to his jester: "I have some

difficulty in rising; and, truly, such confounded laws are not worth

rising for."

"The twenty-ninth article," commenced the jester, taking up a candle,

which threw a light upon the large table of laws on the door-post.

"Here I have it. Give ear, my masters: it is the golden word of

justice, and a sufficient reason is alleged." He then began to read, in

a grave judicial manner: "'_What woman soever shall be guilty of theft,

and deserves to be hanged, with the stolen goods by her side, shall,

for her womanly honour's sake, be buried alive_.' Now, in truth, this

is an honour that one takes straightways with him to eternity. It is no

transient honour, my masters; and, therefore, it has been reserved for

the fair and more fortunate sex."

"Are you, then, insane?" exclaimed the count. "What honour is there in

being buried alive?"

"Where is your wisdom, my wellborn sir?" replied the jester: "for a

woman, it is manifestly a far more honourable and becoming way of

dying, than if she were to be hanged, like a man--like a male thief, on

a gallows. Think of the scandal it would occasion her father

confessor."

"It is, nevertheless, a madness," exclaimed the count. "Is it out of

mere strait-laced modesty that they are so cruel here? May the foul

fiend take all clerks and hang-the-heads who give out such laws and

regulations! Are you alike scrupulous, Drost Peter? And will you suffer

your good old nurse to be buried alive, merely that your wise king's

law may not be transgressed?"

"She shall--she must be saved!" exclaimed the young drost, who had

hitherto stood silent and thoughtful, with his hand on the document in

his breast. "Excuse me, gentlemen: I must to the king." With these

words, he left the room.

The seriousness which this circumstance had for a moment called forth

was soon dispelled by the efforts of the jester, who, with comic

gravity, began a legal discourse on the stern Ribe-Ret, wherein he

dwelt more particularly on a certain notorious and scandalous

punishment, setting it forth circumstantially, and not exactly in the

most becoming manner. He concluded with the well-known Jutlandic joke:

"Thank God you are out of the way of the Ribe-Ret, my child; as the old

woman said when she saw her son hanging on the gibbet."

Count Gerhard laughed till his eyes ran over, and screamed with pain

from the wound in his breast, which his violent laughter had caused to

open. He became suddenly pale, and fell back on his chair, without

consciousness.

The greatest grief and trouble took the place of the previous

mirthfulness. Message after message was dispatched for the surgeon and

physician, and all present were seriously alarmed for the count's life.

He was carried to bed, and Claus Skirmen undertook, in his master's

absence, to tighten the bandages, and stanch the bleeding with wine.

Half an hour passed away: the count still lay insensible, and no

physician had arrived. The knights were impatient, and the lanky jester

behaved like one out of his wits. He tore his hair, and accused himself

of having killed his master with his accursed jokes. The door at length

opened, and Drost Peter hurried in. He had been already advised of the

critical condition of his guest, and had hastened to his aid. He found

the wound properly bound up by his expert squire and pupil. By means of

a burnt feather, he at length succeeded in restoring the count to a

state of consciousness; and, as soon as he had opened his eyes, the

drost's mind was at ease, and he declared him out of danger. For the

greater satisfaction of the stranger knights, and of his afflicted,

inconsolable jester, Drost Peter sent his squire to the palace, to

bring the king's surgeon. In the meanwhile, he desired that they should

all leave the apartment, and remained alone with the sick man.

As soon as Count Gerhard had completely recovered his senses, and saw

Drost Peter by his bed, he held forth his hand, and nodded. "It was the

fault of your cursed Ribe-Ret," he said; "but I must not think more

about it, or I shall laugh myself ill again."

"This is not right: you talk too much," said the knightly leech,

examining his pulse with satisfaction.

"Ay, but it is right. Although you did not exactly dub me a knight

today, you certainly did not dub me a speechless animal. But how got

you on with the king and the carlin? Is she to be hanged, or buried

alive for her womanly honour's sake?" He was on the point of renewing

his laughter, but repressed his desire on feeling the smart of his

wound.

"God be praised, she is saved this time!" said Drost Peter; "but with

some difficulty: the king was not to be spoken with."

"Then you took her out of prison yourself? That was settling the matter

in the right way."

"Nay, Count Gerhard. Rather than I should have dealt so contumaciously

with the laws, the unfortunate woman had been left to her fate."

"What the deuce have you done, then?"

"I went to the queen--"

"Aha! I can understand. Happy knight! But why did you not allow me to

crave a boon for the poor old creature? I have still a heart in my

body, I know; and I should not have risen from the queen's feet, nor

taken her hand from my burning lips, till the carlin had been saved,

even had it been till gray in the morning."

"You talk too much for your wound, noble count; and you think on

matters that do not tend to calm your blood. I shall now send my

liberated nurse to watch over you; and, if you must still talk

enthusiastically of beauty, talk so, in God's name, only before her:

and sleep well."

So saying, Drost Peter left his merry, sick guest, and immediately

afterwards a wrinkled old woman hobbled into the apartment, and sat

down by the count's pillow; but he closed his eyes in vexation, and

would not notice her.

It was midnight, and Drost Peter walked restlessly up and down his

chamber. He had reassured his knightly guests, and left them to repose.

But the royal surgeon had not arrived, and the jester would not believe

that his master was out of danger. In a closet, by the side of the

count's bed-chamber, sat the grave joker, listening at the door, to be

at hand at the slightest disturbance he might hear. Drost Peter could

not think of going to sleep. He was not, indeed, alarmed for his

wounded guest, but still wished to be ready, at any moment, to go to

his aid, should he be called by the nurse. His thoughts, besides, were

in a tumult, that forbade him to think of repose. His adventure with

Henner Friser and little Aasé, and his strong suspicion of the king's

participation in the affair, disquieted him. The crafty Chamberlain

Rané's escape, and the revenge he might, with reason, apprehend from

this royal favourite, ran likewise in his thoughts. Deep suspicions of

a conspiracy, of which he had in vain endeavoured to apprise the king,

appeared to him now, in the night's loneliness, of greater importance,

the more he dwelt upon it. His strife with Count Gerhard, and its

occasion, also caused him the greatest uneasiness. The report, so

injurious to his own and the queen's honour, which he had first learnt

upon this occasion, troubled him more particularly; and he examined

with scrupulous care the whole of the last year of his life, from the

day he first held conversation with Queen Agnes, at Helsingborg

tournament. He could not deny that her beauty and noble feminine

graces, as well as her bold and resolute character, exercised a

wonderful power over him. He owed, undeniably, to the queen's favour,

his rapid rise from a simple knight to be drost of the kingdom; and,

though it vexed him much, that he should, in consequence, be blamed as

a fortunate adventurer, who had been raised to eminence through a

woman's favour, these usual whisperings of envy were not of a nature to

drown the voice of bold self-consciousness in his bosom. He was himself

fully assured that he was perfectly competent for the high situation he

filled, and that the royal house had not a more efficient servant in

these dangerous times. Besides, his important vocation as tutor to the

young Prince Erik, and as his master in the use of arms, gave to his

life an activity, and a degree of importance both to himself and to the

kingdom, that he could not regard without a degree of pride; and he

entertained a confident expectation that, indirectly, the whole fate of

a coming generation, and of Denmark, was in his hands. He stood on a

lofty but dangerous eminence, near a tottering throne, and must take

heed that he did not become giddy and fall. It was only necessary for

some malicious foe to whisper in the king's ear what rumour said

concerning the drost and Queen Agnes, to see him carried, within four

and twenty hours, a prisoner for life, to the dungeons of Sjöberg, or,

indeed, without law or trial, to the rack and wheel.

While these and similar distracting thoughts occupied his mind, a loud

knocking was heard at the entrance of the apartment. He started

involuntarily, but recovered himself, and opened the door. Astonished,

he beheld his young squire, Claus Skirmen, standing, pale and

breathless, on the threshold, with a parchment roll and two swords in

his hands.

"What is this? What want you so late with me?" demanded the drost,

hastily. "You are pale: has anything happened amiss? Say, youth, what

is it?"

"Read, sir--read, and take your sword!" replied the squire, handing him

the parchment and one of the swords.

He hastily seized both, and, going to the light, he turned pale on

recognising the Gothic characters, and the king's well-known seal and

signature.

"Deposed!" he said; "and not only so--condemned to secret imprisonment,

without law or justice; and this to be carried into execution before

the Dane-court commences! How came this unfortunate document into your

hands, Skirmen? It is a royal private warrant. Carry it back, or it may

cost thy life."

"It concerns your life still more, sir. When you are safe in prison,

you are to be secretly murdered. I know it all: I have heard it with my

own ears."

"Are you mad? Is it possible? Rané, then--"

"Right, sir. Chamberlain Rané procured this prison-warrant; the rest

was hatched by himself and his good friends. He sat triumphantly, with

this letter in his hand, in a company of topers at the palace, along

with Duke Waldemar, Master Grand, Count Jacob, and all the gay company

with whom we crossed the Belt. I was inquiring, by your command, for

the king's own surgeon for Count Gerhard, when I was directed to the

western wing of the palace. I had to go along the dark passage that

leads to the duke's apartments. The door stood ajar, with only a

tapestry hanging before it. I heard your name mentioned: I concealed

myself behind the tapestry, and--"

"And you listened: come, out with it! Fair and honourable it was not

altogether. And so you heard--"

"What I have told you, sir. Not, indeed, in clear and distinct words;

but, by putting one with the other, I could plainly guess their

meaning. You must be got rid of, it was said, and in such a way as that

you could not come to light again, in case the king's humour should

change. Above all, you are not to receive the least intimation of this,

nor to be allowed to have any conversation with the king; and tomorrow

betimes, or even to-night, you are to be seized, and secretly

imprisoned."

"To-morrow--Trinity Sunday--before the court meets! So, so! But, since

it is to be done so early, it shall be done this midnight. So long as I

hold this scrap in my hand, time may be gained. It must now be decided

who shall first speak with the king. I must ascertain where he sleeps

tonight, and whether he has an ear for truth or falsehood on the

morrow. But how did you obtain this hellish document? Could they be so

careless as to slip the halter when they had it so nearly round my

neck?"

"I did not quit my hiding-place till they had drank success to Duke

Waldemar, Count Jacob, and Stig Andersen so often, that one might have

pricked them all in the eye. I knew there was no danger to the wounded

gentleman, but that there was to you, and I did not hesitate on

remaining. Rané held out the longest before he got drunk; and they paid

him great respect, on account of his relationship to Stig Andersen's

wife, and because of his cunning in retaining the king's good opinion,

whilst he still remained true to his friends and kinsmen. The duke

having promised to procure him the rich Count Mindre-Alf's daughter,

they already hailed him as future Count of Tönsberg; and thereupon he

drank so deeply, that at length he was obliged to go out to obtain a

breath of air, I was not seen; and, as I was alone with him in the dark

passage, it was only the turn of a wrist to fling him on the ground,

and take the letter from him."

"Then it was not me alone that this concerned? And Rané makes common

cause against the king? Heard you aught of what should happen when I am

murdered or in prison?"

"Ay, indeed, sir. Horrible things, concerning war, and rebellion, and

aid from Sweden and Norway. But I only gave special attention to what

referred to you. And, now, do not hesitate a moment, sir. If you will

take to flight, our horses shall be saddled immediately."

"Nay, my brave Skirmen. You have never seen your master yield at

tourney, nor yet at sharper fighting; much less shall you see him now

give way. Here, indeed, I cannot defend my life and honour with this

sword; but, if God wills, I will try another, that, without being a

traitor to my country, I can use against my lord and king himself. My

tongue must now be my sword, and righteousness my shield; now, it

concerns not me alone, but the crown and kingdom. The revolt, it seems,

is to be aided by Sweden and Norway. Now, then, I must to the king,

even should the way to him lie amid serpents. But there must be

quietness and vigour. Nothing can be done for three hours more. I will

try if I can rest the while. This is now the third night that I have

watched. Arouse me as soon as it is day."

"But, for the sake of security, shall I not quietly assemble the

servant-men, and arm them?"

"That would be illegal, Skirmen. If I cannot gain life and liberty with

justice, with injustice I will not. It is already so, when this blade

is in my hand, instead of in the city-governor's. Still, this I will

defend, before God and men. Good night."

With that tranquillity which only a pure conscience, strong

determination, and utter contempt for his enemies could afford him,

Drost Peter threw himself, in his clothes, upon his pallet. "Place the

light on my shield, and do not extinguish it," he said to his trusty

squire. "And now God guard me! I am weary."

The squire obeyed, and left the chamber. But he did not move three

steps from the threshold. With his back against the door, he sat on the

stone floor, that he might guard his master's slumbers until the dawn.

Scarcely had the cock crowed, and the first dim gleam of day entered

the dark passage through a little grated window, when Claus Skirmen

arose, and, opening the door of his master's apartment, he found him in

a calm, deep sleep. The squire could scarcely venture to disturb him;

but, hearing the sound of footsteps in the street, and the subdued

clang of arms, he no longer delayed. "It is morning," he said, "and we

are not the only persons who are awake. Resolve quickly, therefore,

what you intend to do."

Drost Peter arose, and grasped his sword; but, recollecting himself, he

hastily laid it down again. "Nay," he said, "this I will not take with

me. No one can yet have legal authority to seize me. I shall venture to

awake the king: it concerns his safety, as well as mine. You shall

follow me. You can testify, on oath, to what you have heard?"

"That I can, sir. But, still, let us take weapons with us. Who knows

what we may encounter? The governor's people are difficult to deal

with; and Sir Lavé Little keeps guard at the palace with the

halberdiers."

"Sir Lavé! Great God! my little Ingé's father! He was in the duke's

train in Jutland, and I trust him not. Yet, perhaps this is fortunate.

He was not with the traitors, then, last night?"

"No, sir; he must have arrived the day before yesterday, and entered

with old Sir John. Last night, he mounted guard at the palace."

"If the prudent John can trust him, so can I. Come, let us leave the

sword. The righteous God must now protect us."

Without farther deliberation, Drost Peter threw his large scarlet

mantle about him, placed his feathered hat on his head, and went forth

with a firm, determined step. The squire followed him in silence, after

once more looking back dejectedly on the forbidden weapon.

To avoid creating an alarm in the house, Drost Peter and his squire

went down the stone steps, and closed the door after them. The street

was still and deserted. The faint twilight showed them the castle, at a

little distance, lying gloomily behind the strong walls, whilst all

around it appeared to be still in deep repose, except a few

landsknechts, who kept watch outside the locked gate, and who paced

backwards and forwards, with measured steps, their halberds and lances

in their hands. Drost Peter and his squire approached the palace with

rapid strides. The young drost had not omitted to take with him a

token, which, by virtue of his important office, gave him a right to

demand admittance into the palace, and to the king's person, at all

times. This token consisted of a plate of gold, on which was impressed

the royal seal, with the two crowns.

With this in his hand, the drost strode forward towards the outer

sentinel, and passed the corner house in the broad King-street, when he

found himself suddenly stopped, and surrounded by twelve armed

burghers. A respectable man, with a large silver staff in his hand,

stepped forward from among them, and said, with much seriousness, while

he raised his staff: "Sir Drost Peter Hessel, the governor of the town

takes you prisoner in the king's name. Be pleased to follow us."

"Not one step," replied Drost Peter, "until you show me my king and

master's express order for this treatment."

"I can produce no written order," said the governor; "but that such an

order was issued by the king yesterday, and taken from his chamberlain

with cunning and violence, by your people, has been proved to me by the

testimony of respectable persons. If you will not follow me willingly,

you must excuse me if I employ force. Men, do your duty."

The armed burghers drew near to lay hands upon their prisoner. Drost

Peter now held out, with an air of bold authority, the token, with the

royal seal. "Know you that?" he demanded. "By virtue of my power and

authority, as drost of the kingdom, I command you to follow me

immediately to the king himself. Unless you can show me an order in the

king's own writing, none of you shall dare to lay a hand upon me. If

there should happen to be any deceit in this, and I cannot justify

myself before the king, I am willing to follow you to prison, or, if

the king commands it, to death. But, at present, you must follow me. I

am still drost of the kingdom, and your master."

The determination and authority with which he spoke confounded the

burghers, who looked at one another, and then at the governor, with

perplexity. The latter, also, appeared to be surprised and undecided.

"According to the letter of the law, you appear to be right, sir

drost," began the governor; "but what does it avail you to make all

this disturbance? You know yourself, better than any one else, that you

are deposed from office, and that we are obeying the king's express

command. You will not aid your case much, by awaking him at the present

hour, to hear your doom from his own lips. Besides, it is strictly

forbidden to allow you to approach the palace."

"Not by the king, but by his and my deadly foes," interrupted Drost

Peter, with vehemence. "You have allowed yourself to receive an illegal

message from those who seek the king's life, and you will hinder me

from warning him. If you would not be condemned as traitors to the

country, and abettors of treason against the royal person, you will

follow me instantly."

"God in mercy preserve us!" broke forth the terrified burghers, one

after the other. "What shall we do, sir governor? You must answer for

all. We know nothing--"

"If it be true, as you say, that the king's life is in danger," said

the governor, hesitatingly, "who tells us, then, that you, yourself,

are not a traitor? Appearances are much against you, sir drost. What

want you at the palace, at this hour?"

"As you have heard: that which I still shall do, and which you shall

not prevent. I will to the king, by virtue of my office, to warn him

against traitors. No excuses, governor. Follow me instantly, or it may

be as much as your life is worth." Without waiting for a reply, Drost

Peter walked rapidly towards the palace, the frightened burghers

respectfully giving way before him.

"Very well," said the governor: "we must follow him, if he still

commands it; but farther than the halberdiers he shall not go. Take

care, however, that he does not escape. And what have you to do with

this, young man?" said he to Skirmen, who anxiously followed at his

master's heels. "You, perhaps, would assist your cunning master in

treating us like fools? Pack off! We have no orders to guard you."

"He will follow me, and you shall permit him," ordered Drost Peter,

turning round: "whom I take with me to the king, I answer for."

The governor was silent, and they passed on. The palace sentinels, who

knew the drost, objected not to open the gates, but did not deem

themselves warranted to admit the burghers and the governor.

"Suffer them to enter on my responsibility--they belong to my train,"

said the drost.

The governor and burghers were admitted, and they now appeared to

entertain a better opinion of their powerful prisoner, who ruled them

all in such a wonderful manner. They crossed the court-yard of the

palace to the northern wing, which the king himself occupied.

"If this is a mistake, sir drost," said the governor, in an under tone,

as they ascended the castle-stairs, "and if I have been deceived by

traitors, I entreat you, for God and Our Lady's sake, that you do not

lead me and these brave men into trouble. We were acting as we judged

best."

"Who gave you the right so to do, governor? You are to act according to

law and justice, and not after your own or any other man's judgment.

Still, this I know: that you have been deceived. Meantime, let one half

of your people remain here on the stairs, that the king may not be

disturbed with too much noise. Should the Chamberlain Rané, or any of

Duke Waldemar's people, approach from the opposite wing, stop them

here, on my responsibility. Do you understand me?"

"It shall be as you command, sir drost," answered one of the burghers,

who, with six men, remained behind on the staircase.

The rest followed the drost and his squire to the guard-room. Here, the

drost ordered the other burghers to take their station outside the

door, with the same instructions, which they received without

objection. He then, with his squire and the town-governor, walked into

the large guard-room. Twelve knights, armed with long halberds, here

guarded the door of the royal closet. Some paced to and fro, without

the least noise, on thick woollen matting; others stood in gentle

conversation, here and there, about the room. No one was seated: there

was not, indeed, a single bench or chair in the apartment. The faint

glimmer of a dozen expiring wax-lights blended with the gray dawn. The

lights were placed on brackets, beneath bright shields; and, at one end

of the hall, glittered the royal arms, on which two lions and two

crowns were represented. Over the arms, suspended crosswise, were two

variegated banners, in the centre of which the white cross of the

national standard was, indeed, to be seen, but almost concealed by the

numerous swords, stars, keys, crescents, anchors, wheels, and other

arbitrary decorations and symbols that people were accustomed to see on

the royal coinage.

When the door was opened, the trabants raised their halberds, and

looked with surprise on the intruders.

"The drost--the young Drost Hessel!" said one to the other, saluting

him respectfully.

"What brings Drost Peter Hessel here so early?" demanded a man,

advanced in years, stepping towards him with a singularly undecided and

uneasy countenance, whose frequent changes did not inspire confidence.

Like the other knights, he wore a high trabant's cap, with a large

plume of feathers, and carried a long halberd, more richly ornamented.

At his breast hung a magnificent gold chain, and his short mantle of

red lawn was adorned with jewels.

"It may well surprise you, stern Sir Lavé, to see me here at such an

unseasonable hour," replied Drost Peter, regarding him with a sharp and

penetrating glance; "but, in the execution of my office, I have an

important and private matter to lay before the king, and must needs

speak with him without delay."

"An important and private matter!" repeated Sir Lavé, changing colour.

"I know not that there is any sedition in the town, sir drost; but,

even were that the case, I dare not awake the king thus early, so long

as the palace is secure and well guarded."

"But, if there should be at this moment secret traitors within the

walls of the palace, stern sir knight?" said the young drost, in a half

whisper, without taking his keen look from Sir Lavé's disturbed

countenance.

"The rood shield us! What is it you say?" whispered the chief of the

body-guard, grasping him convulsively by the arm, and drawing him to

one side. "From your future father-in-law you can have no secrets, my

young friend," he continued, in a soft and trembling voice. "If you

think you have discovered a conspiracy, or anything of the kind, inform

me, that we may avert the mischief in time. But the thing is

impossible. If, however, any of the discontented vassals should have

dropped a word that may appear suspicious, consider well what you are

about, before you take upon yourself the hateful office of accuser,

and, mayhap, bring into mischief brave men, who have only regarded the

present posture of affairs with greater freedom. Have you proofs

against any one?"

"That I may not say here," replied Drost Peter. "Our private relations,

sir knight, must give way to our public duties. I must simply request

you to awake the king. That is your duty, when I demand it. In case of

need, as you are aware, I do not require to be announced, and no one

has a right to deny me admittance."

"That I have yet to learn, my bold young sir," replied the knight,

assuming a stern and consequential air. "Those whom the king entrusts

to guard his slumbers may justly demand to know why he is to be

disturbed; and I and these gentlemen are commanded to keep guard, that

no one, without due reason, disturbs the king's rest."

"This is not the time and place to dispute as to your rights," resumed

Drost Peter, with suppressed vehemence. Perceiving the strained

attention with which they were regarded by the body-guard, he

continued: "Only one word in confidence, Sir Lavé;" and, as he withdrew

the perplexed knight more aside, he said mildly, but with a tone of

lively interest, "it would grieve me bitterly, Sir Lavé Little, should

I be compelled to mention your name in connection with a confederacy,

of which it is evident that your faithful friend, old Sir John, can

have no idea, seeing the important post you at present occupy here. The

company you quitted eight days ago were not friends of the royal house;

but I am willing to believe, that, if you then shared their

discontents, you do not yet take part in their plans, and that there is

still time for you to draw back from an inevitable gulph."

"How? What plans? I do not understand you, Drost Peter. You will never

accuse me for opinions that a free Danish knight may dare to express,

without danger, among his friends?"

"I am no spy or secret accuser, who will bring you, or any brave man,

into mischief for thoughts and opinions," replied the young drost. "I

know nothing yet, God be praised, that should deprive me of the hope of

one day calling you father. I know you were not at the secret council

last night, that pronounced my doom, the more easily to compass the

king's."

Sir Lavé paused, and became deadly pale. A struggle seemed to be

passing in his unquiet soul; but he suddenly seized the young knight's

hand. "Nay, nay," said he, "in this council I had neither part nor lot.

Had I known that such was the intention, I should not have chosen my

post by this threshold. You were, nevertheless, a dangerous man to me

and my friends, yesterday, Knight Hessel," he continued, with greater

resolution. "It depends upon me whether you shall be so to-day. Perhaps

it depends on a single step over this threshold. I can forbid your

entrance, and with justice. I have promised as much: whether I keep

this promise, depends upon myself. At this moment you are no longer

drost of the kingdom, and can have nothing to say here. I have seen a

royal letter, by which you are deposed, and doomed to imprisonment,

from the hour the cock crows after midnight. A conversation with the

king may, perhaps, save you. If it only concerns your post and freedom,

I would, without hesitation, cause you to be taken prisoner on the

spot, by the king's command; but, if it concerns your life--if it is

true--" He stopped abort, and gazed inquiringly on the young knight,

who had changed colour, and stood as if thunderstruck.

"I tell you no falsehood," said Drost Peter, recovering himself. "At

this moment you are a powerful man: you have, perhaps, my life, as well

as that of the king, in your hand. But, whatever you may now do, you

will have to answer for, before the righteous God, at your hour of

death."

"Who are these two persons you bring with you?" demanded Sir Lavé.

"The town-governor, who was to conduct me to prison, and my squire, who

was witness to this secret tribunal of blood. Should I tarry here a

moment longer, it may be too late. My deadly foes watch under the same

roof that now shelters us: they have the door of my prison, and of

their den of murder, standing open--"

"Well, I will believe you," said Sir Lavé, with extreme uneasiness. "I

would lend my aid to overthrow you; but your blood I will not have upon

my head, and I stand not here to betray the life I guard. From this day

forth, however, all engagements between us are at an end. Yet I was

your father's friend. If I have saved your life to-day, remember it,

young man, if, perchance, mine and my friends' lives should one day be

in your hands." Tears stood in his eyes, and he grasped the young

knight's hand almost convulsively. "I go to awake the king," he said,

with more composure, and hastily entered the royal closet.

For some minutes, Drost Peter stood as if on burning coals. He heard

loud voices without, demanding admittance, and recognised the shrill

tones of Chamberlain Rané, who, in the king's name, ordered the

burghers to open the door. The guards were surprised. Two of them

hurried out into the passage, to learn the cause of the uproar. The

door of the guard-room was again immediately opened, and Drost Peter

saw Rané at the entrance, between the two guards.

At the same instant, the door of the king's closet was opened, and Sir

Lavé Little stepped hastily over the threshold, and beckoned Drost

Peter. With hurried steps he obeyed the signal. Sir Lavé locked the

door of the king's closet after the drost, and ordered the guards to

station themselves before it, without troubling themselves about the

enraged chamberlain, who, insolently, and loud-voiced, stood in the

middle of the ante-room, and accused the captain of the guard of having

failed in his knightly promise, and of having transgressed the king's

order.

"Whether Drost Peter has been improperly admitted at this door or not,

we shall soon know," answered Sir Lavé. "So long as I have not the

king's counter-order, it is my duty to admit the drost; but a

chamberlain has nothing to do here at this hour, were he ten times the

king's favourite. Be pleased to assist him out, gentlemen."

Three of the guards, with raised halberds, approached the enraged Rané,

who gnashed his teeth, and left the guard-room, casting a look of

vengeance at Sir Lavé.

Between the guard-room and the king's bed-closet was a large arched

apartment, hung with gold-embroidered tapestry, with a round table in

the middle, covered with scarlet cloth and long gold fringes. Here the

king received those he would hold conversation with, and here the drost

was obliged to wait for some time, until the attendant pages had

assisted his majesty in dressing.

At the door of the royal sleeping-chamber stood a handsome youth, about

eleven years of age, in the red lawn suit of a torch-page, and with a

wax-light in his hand. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes, while he

admired, and regarded with respect, the tall, serious knight who had

ventured to disturb the king's morning slumber. This page was the

little Prince Erik's playmate, Aagé Jonsen. He was of the same age as

the prince, and daily shared with him his martial exercises, and the

various instructions in chivalry under Drost Peter's guidance. The

youth's tender, almost maidenly features, were lighted up by the torch;

and, as he thus stood, with his long golden locks falling over his

linen collar, and his dark blue eyes resting, with respectful surprise,

on his knightly teacher, the appearance of the friendly youth seemed to

restore calmness to Drost Peter, and to fill his bosom with bold and

lively confidence in his innocence and the justice of his case.

"Good morning, Aagé," he said, patting the lad kindly on the cheek:

"have you been awoke too early this morning? You stand, indeed, as if

you were yet dreaming. Is your little king still asleep?"

"Yes, dear sir drost. We were both much fatigued from wrestling with

Junker[13] Christopher yesterday evening; and I took the torch-watch. I

remained awake here, by the door, the whole night; but towards morning

I could not keep my eyes open, and, at the moment Sir Lavé came, the

torch was nearly out. You are not angry with me, then, for this?"

"I know you are a bold, vigilant lad, who, otherwise, would not sleep

when you should be awake, and that is an important matter, Aagé. These

are times wherein one should early learn both to watch and pray."

"I have prayed, likewise," answered the youth. "I prayed to God and Our

Lady, both for Prince Erik and you, for the queen, and all good men;

but still my eyes closed, and, had the king called me, I should have

been unhappy."

"I shall give thee good advice, Aagé. When thou watchest by the king's

door, or by that of the prince, never forget that murderers may be

lurking without, who will break in and do violence as soon as thou

closest an eye; and I warrant thee thou wilt keep thine eyes open."

"The rood shield us, sir drost! This is something that never can

possibly happen: Our Lord and the Holy Virgin take care of that!"

"Truly they care for us, otherwise it would little avail if all the

armies in the world guarded us," replied the drost; "but we are not,

therefore, to live securely and carelessly in the world, much less a

future knight and guardian of the king."

A clear sound, as of a silver bell, was now heard. The folding-doors

into the king's bed-chamber were thrown open, and, by each, stood a

page with a torch. Drost Peter stepped leisurely back to the end of the

saloon; and little Aagé hastily lowered his torch towards the stone

floor, and took some steps backwards into the saloon.

A tall, dignified person walked over the threshold, with short,

uncertain steps. In his right hand he carried, like a staff, a large

sword, of three fingers' breadth, and seven quarters in length, with a

cross-guard, and gilded brass pommel. A short mantle hung loose over

his shoulders. He paused for a moment, and cast a sharp, uneasy glance

around the apartment, till, at length, his blinking eye rested for an

instant on the queen's favourite, who respectfully saluted his majesty,

and remained standing at a distance. The king now advanced a few

steps, and, giving the pages a signal, they placed their torches in a

brass frame, suspended at half-an-ell's distance from the tapestry,

after which they made an obeisance, and retired backwards into the

bed-chamber, through the half-open doors of which were seen four of the

body-guard, with their bright halberds. The king advanced just as far

from the door as was necessary to converse with the knight unobserved

by his attendants.

"You dare to come into my presence, and at this hour, Knight Hessel!"

he said, in a harsh and imperious tone. "You pretend, as an excuse, to

have an important and private matter to lay before us, respecting the

safety of our royal person. If you think, by such foolish pretexts, to

obtain pardon, you are mistaken. Speak! but not a word about yourself.

What do you know that affects our own and the throne's security?"

"I know, and can testify, sire," replied the young knight, frankly,

"that you have slept this night under the same roof with men who, eight

days ago, at the manor of Möllerup, took counsel, with the daring Stig

Andersen, against the crown and kingdom."

"Prove it!" said the king, turning pale.

"I can, if you regard the worthy prior of Antvorskov, Master Martin

Mogesen, as an upright and trustworthy man, and will rather believe his

testimony than mine."

"Master Martin?" repeated the king. "Ay, indeed, he is true, and

attached to me, and has never, by untimely artifices and crooked

devices, sought to approach my throne. Is he present?"

"Nay, sire," replied the knight, with burning cheeks, and subduing,

with an effort, his injured feelings of honour, where self-justification

was denied him; "but he gave me a hint, which I am only half justified

in revealing. You know his seal and handwriting, sire?"

"Right well: he was for three years my chancellor."

"Then read this letter, my stern lord and judge, and you will see that

it was not to crave a boon I so urgently entreated an opportunity of

conversing with you yesterday evening, and that it is not merely to

vindicate myself that I stand here just now."

"Not a word about yourself! Silence, now!" The king read the letter

hurriedly and anxiously, raising his eyes from it at times, and

regarding the knight furtively and suspiciously. "Now, indeed, it is

true that this was a highly suspicious meeting," he said; "yet,

after all, they are only doubts and conjectures. There is no certain

proof--no act for which I can cause any one to be punished. But where

are the well-known names referred to here?"

"In my memory, sire. The document which contained them I was requested

to destroy."

"Name them! They shall be imprisoned."

"To such violent measures it were far from me to advise you. Whom the

law has not sentenced, my king will not condemn. I come not to accuse,

but to forewarn. What Master Martin writes here, cannot affect the life

of any one. It is only a hint, but still an important one, in these

disturbed times."

The king made an uneasy and anxious gesture.

"The reverend gentleman admits that he knows more than he can venture

to tell," continued the knight. "I can almost believe that some

penitent confederate has disclosed to him, as confessor, what he dare

not reveal. But all the individuals he mentioned to me as suspicious,

he has talked with himself, and has vainly exhorted them to loyalty.

With most of them I recently came over the Belt myself; and, although I

am not yet prepared with proofs against any of them, I have,

nevertheless, good reason to agree with Master Martin, and pray you to

be on your guard with respect to the discontented vassals, and have

your eye upon their entire conduct. The meeting at Möllerup is enough

to warrant this. Your intimate Chamberlain Rané will be able to bear

witness to that; for he himself was present."

"Rané?" exclaimed the king, in astonishment: "he has not told me of

this. He is my spy, I may tell you, and has a right to seek what

company he chooses, and say what he likes, if, only, he informs me of

it. If he was at this meeting, it may have been to spy out the

malcontents, and he may have important reasons for his silence."

The knight shook his head. "I trust him not, sire. But this much is

certain: this meeting took place, and the malcontents we know.

Respecting one of them, I shall, perhaps, within eight days, furnish

you with clear proof that he is confederated with the enemies of the

kingdom, and has likewise a project in his mind as audacious as it is

dangerous."

"Which of them is this? Speak! He shall not depart hence alive."

"He must do so, your grace," replied Drost Peter, dauntlessly. "Here he

is a guest, and defenceless, and the privileges of the Dane-court

protect him. I cannot name him now. Before I can prove, I cannot

accuse, sire."

"Remember whom you talk with!" broke forth the king, vainly striving to

conceal his uneasiness by a stern and imperious tone. "What more have

you to report?"

"If you will now permit me to touch upon a matter that regards myself,

I shall prove, by a sworn witness, that a secret council, held last

night, decreed my death, in order that I might not betray what I know,

and that the traitors may be able to accomplish, with greater security,

their most criminal designs against the crown and kingdom."

"What? Who here, save I, dares to condemn any one to death? I have

doomed you to imprisonment, it is true; but ere I decree your death, I

will bethink me. But, to the main point. These most criminal plans

against the crown and kingdom I will know. What are they? Who has heard

them?"

"My trusty squire, Claus Skirmen. I have brought him with me. He stands

without, and will confirm his evidence by an oath."

"Let him enter," ordered the king.

Drost Peter opened the door, and beckoned. Frank and fearless, the

young squire entered, and related, briefly yet distinctly, what he had

heard behind the tapestry.

When the king had heard him to an end, he held out towards him the

cross hilt of his sword. "Swear!" he said: "imprecate a curse upon

thyself if thou hast said anything untrue to save thy master."

"It is truth, so help me God and the Holy Virgin!" said Claus Skirmen,

in a loud and firm voice, and laying his hand on the hilt of the sword.

"Good! Now thou mayest go."

Claus Skirmen bowed silently, and retired, casting a sympathising

glance towards his master.

"Chamberlain Rané in this, too?" said the king, thoughtfully. "But,

indeed, he had the right. The worst word of rebellion he uttered was

with my permission, in order to sound the others. That the duke and his

friends are discontented, we have long known; but to what do their

projects tend?"

"As far as I can conjecture, to a revolution in the state, similar to

that effected by your grace, Marsk Andersen, and Count Jacob, in

Sweden."

"Conjecture--mere conjecture! If you know nothing decided, of what use

to me are your hints and warnings? If there are traitors and

treasonable persons in the country--if they have even presumed to

penetrate into the palace as guests--let them be seized, and the

headsman have them! If such be the case, it is time to show these

haughty gentlemen that we have as sharp axes here as they have in

Sweden."

"Remember, sire, that the throne founded in blood by these Swedish axes

was not the ancient and righteous throne, but one built by rebels, on

the ruins of the laws and monarchy. If the privileges and majesty of

the crown are to be held sacred, the law must be their guardian; and

here there are no good grounds for preventing a rebellion by a

tyrannical and arbitrary slaughter."

"What wilt thou have, then? Say, my valiant Drost Peter!" exclaimed the

king, anxiously: "thou art my brave subject. What was between us, I

will forget. Now, speak! What thinkest thou is to be done here?"

"I think, at present, it were most prudent that we should be altogether

quiet, and not exhibit the least suspicion of the existence of such a

conspiracy. Whilst the Dane-court lasts, let us merely double the

night-watch, but treat the distinguished guests with all civility. At

court, let matters take their ordinary course, without the least

disposition to bear against the opposite party. Legally chosen umpires

may, upon oath and conscience, settle the points in dispute. If the

chief withdraw from the country, it will then be evident that he seeks

foreign aid, and will return at the head of an army; and then we may

speedily devise measures to oppose him. If he retire peaceably to his

castle, we have nothing to apprehend: the storm will be over; and then,

perhaps, may peace and restored vigour, but, above all, strict justice,

save the land and kingdom."

"You are a pearl in my crown, Drost Peter, and I was a fool when I cast

it away for the sake of a whim," said the king, pacified, and clapping

him on the shoulder in a friendly manner. "The warrant I yesterday

issued in an evil humour--"

"That I have brought with me, my king and master, to hear it confirmed

or disowned by your own lips."

"What the deuce! In your hands, and not in those of the town-governor?

Now must I say, if you can be as vigilant, when it concerns the king,

as when it concerns yourself, you are worth gold, Peter Hessel. Give it

to me."

Drost Peter handed him the order for his arrest, which the king tore

asunder, and threw on the ground, while he laughed, and said, in a

jesting tone: "See, there lie your prison-walls, my trusty drost. I see

I can rely upon you in important matters, and I will not come into

opposition with you in minor ones. Since there is no danger just now,

and you have promised to prevent whatever may be apprehended, I will

follow your advice, and, for the present, appear unconcerned. But now

confess to me honestly, my prudent young sir knight," he continued, in

a seemingly indifferent tone, "can you boast yourself of any particular

familiarity with a certain fair lady, whose colours you bear? Nay, do

not blush. No one knows better than I how enchanting she can be at

times; and for an amorous word, a bold look, even a familiar pressure

of the hand, I should not doom you to death. I know the fair ones

tolerably well: the strictest, the chastest, are not insensible to an

amiable young knight, who possesses both wit and manners. You have,

perhaps, observed that I do not reckon such trifles so precisely; and

that I myself, now and then, forget the crown's descent, and the stern

reverence of majesty, for a little lively adventure."

Drost Peter blushed deeply under this rebuke, ashamed to turn his eyes

upon the king who condescended to such expressions. At length he

recovered himself, and observed the crafty and unstable smile on the

king's countenance, with a mixture of wounded pride, contempt, and

secret horror, that did not escape his fickle and whimsical ruler. He

laid his hand solemnly on his breast, and was silent.

"Now, indeed, you understand a joke," said the king, suddenly becoming

serious; "but one, perhaps, should not joke in such fashion. Whatever

lady a knight may worship chastely and honourably, does not concern the

king. Enough of this. As regards the malcontents, you assure me, that,

at present, there is no danger. You shall, therefore, take the

requisite numbers for guarding the palace as well as the Dane-court.

When it is over, take heed to the chief; and, as soon as he sets foot

on forbidden ground, he is our prisoner."

"Solely, however, your grace, if the information arrives which I still

expect?" observed Drost Peter. "Such violent steps the most urgent

circumstances can alone defend, when probability borders on certainty;

and, according to the forms and laws of the kingdom--"

"A truce with that!" exclaimed the king, warmly: "no law binds my arm

against traitors. You are too conscientious for me, Drost Peter. But no

more of this for the present. Conduct everything well and carefully. As

a proof that I now again regard you as my most prudent and virtuous

servant, accept of this mark of esteem." So saying, he took from his

own neck a large gold chain, set with costly stones, and hung it on

that of the drost, at the same time extending him his hand to kiss.

Silently, and with the bitter feeling that he could not from his heart,

as he inwardly wished, respect the hand of the individual, still,

prompted by the homage due to the sacred sceptre, the knight half bent

his knee to the ground, and gently saluted the gracious hand with his

lips. Thereupon he arose, and awaited the signal to withdraw.

"Yet one word," said the king. "My chamberlain, Rané Jonsen, I know you

have long doubted and mistrusted. You caught him in a foolish

adventure, and made him a prisoner. I have pardoned him. Let that

matter be henceforth forgotten. But what reason have you continually to

distrust him, when you hear that he only goes about in disguise among

my enemies, secretly to serve me?"

"To speak honestly, sire, the purposes for which he permits himself to

be used do him no honour; and such a double-tongued individual bears no

one fealty. He has not yet acquainted you with what was last transacted

at Möllerup: perhaps Master Martin will be able to give you better

information."

"Send a messenger, without delay, to Antvorskov, for the pious, prudent

gentleman," said the king. "I shall have the matter cleared up, and the

worthy man may be able to tell us somewhat more."

"He is already on his journey hither, and will arrive before midday.

But I saw the chamberlain in the guard-chamber: he will, assuredly, not

fail in ingenuity, in vindicating himself. I pray you, sire, trust him

not too much. Remember that he is the sister's son of Stig Andersen's

unfortunate wife."

"Good," replied the king, coldly, and changing colour. "You need not

remind me of that. The brave Sir John, and Sir Lavé of Flynderborg,

your own future father-in-law, are of the same family. As long as Rané

obeys me faithfully, and adheres to me, I have no reason to distrust

him. Mere honesty will not carry a man through the world, and a crafty

servant may, also, be put to a good use. But an end of this. Depart

now, my valiant Drost Peter," added the king, suddenly, in a mild and

familiar tone. "Let me henceforth see that you are worthy of my

confidence. Inform Sir John and David Thorstenson of all, and advise

with them what is to be done. God protect you!"

The king turned round hastily, and Drost Peter withdrew.

In the guard-room, Sir Lavé had been relieved by his kinsman, old Sir

John Little. He was a short, strongly built man, with stiff gray hair,

but nimble, and almost youthful in his movements. His sagacious,

penetrating eye, and stern, commanding air, as well as the brevity and

decision with which he expressed himself, denoted the old warrior and

leader. His mere presence, without any external mark of distinction,

proved his superiority over the most notable of the body-guard, and

indicated him as their chief, and as the supreme counsellor of the

kingdom. This remarkable man, whom the young drost loved and esteemed

as a fatherly friend, had, on the present occasion, resorted to the

palace somewhat earlier than usual, and had taken his kinsman's post as

captain of the guards. He had already been informed of the danger which

Drost Peter had so fortunately escaped. He was engaged in earnest

conversation with the town-governor, when he saw Drost Peter, with the

king's well-known gold chain about his neck, issue from the door of the

royal apartment. With heartfelt joy he approached him, and warmly shook

him by the hand. A tear glittered in his stern eye; but, without saying

a word to his young friend, he turned quietly, and with a smile, to the

town-governor.

"As you perceive, my good governor," he said, in a careless tone, "Sir

Drost Peter Hessel brings with him a new proof of the king's favour and

satisfaction. The whole must have been a mistake. You have erred, but

circumstances excuse you. Go, with God's blessing."

The governor bowed respectfully, as well to the old counsellor as to

Drost Peter, and departed.

"Can you favour me with an hour's conversation before the court

assembles, sir counsellor?" inquired Drost Peter: "I have an important

matter to communicate to you."

"Certainly, when I have spoken with the king. Expect me home in about

half an hour. Thorstenson is here. The palace-guard is doubled; there

is no danger: only, be calm and collected."

So saying, he turned hastily away, and, giving a signal to one of the

halberdiers, went in immediately to the king.

The knight to whom the old lord had given the signal was a tall,

dark-visaged man, with a long brown beard, which fell in two locks upon

his collar, and united with two large bushy and closely-curled

whiskers, which half concealed a tolerably youthful, but spare and

vigorous, warlike countenance. His dark eyes were full of fire, and

betrayed vehemence and passion. In the counsellor's absence, he took

the place of captain of the guards, and placed himself nearest the door

of the king's apartments. This was Sir David Thorstenson.

Drost Peter went up to him as to an intimate friend, and extended his

hand. They spoke a few words privately together. Knight Thorstenson

nodded, and cast a sharp look to the door. Hereupon, Drost Peter bowed

to the observant halberdiers, and left the guard-chamber with a quick

step, without, however, betraying haste or uneasiness. As he proceeded,

the servants and people about court stepped respectfully to one

side, and regarded him with surprise and curiosity. The rumour that

something unusual had happened to Drost Peter Hessel, and that the

queen's powerful favourite had fallen into disgrace, had put all in

commotion at the palace; and now, all the cooks, waiting-maids, and

kitchen-wenches were struggling to get a sight of him as he descended

the palace-stairs, with the king's large gold chain across his breast.

To be the object of the people's attention was nothing new to the young

drost, and was, indeed, not displeasing to him. That he felt himself

flattered thereby he could not deny, although, now and then, he saw

some one whisper and smile in a fashion that would have deeply offended

him, had he heard what was said concerning his supposed intimacy with

the queen. But the curiosity with which he was observed bespoke, on the

whole, esteem and goodwill; and his handsome, stately figure, in

particular, recommended him to all the charming little waiting-maids

who beheld him. At the palace-gate, he met a number of stranger knights

and stately gentlemen, whom it was unusual to see abroad so early.

Among them he perceived Duke Waldemar and Chamberlain Rané. They

whispered together when they saw him; but he proceeded quietly

forwards, and felt, with secret pride, that he met them as a conqueror.

Still, he took care not to betray this feeling in his look and manner;

but as he went silently and gravely past them, he saluted them coldly,

yet with all courtesy. They, also, without betraying the slightest

ill-feeling or unpleasant surprise, returned his salutation with equal

indifference.

Squire Skirmen had awaited his master on the palace-stairs, and now

followed him with undisguised joy. As Skirmen passed Rané and the duke,

he could not refrain from smiling with self-satisfaction; and, making

his salute, he strutted along, much taller than usual. His master

observed this.

"Let us not triumph too early, my bold and trusty Skirmen," said he,

earnestly. "Our enemies are still powerful; and pride goes often before

a fall. I cannot entirely acquit myself on this point. We are all prone

to be haughty when successful; but it is a temptation we must endeavour

to contend against."

Skirmen blushed, and was silent: the air of triumph disappeared from

his countenance, and, with modest resignation, he followed his master

to his dwelling.

Here, Drost Peter found his wounded guest awake and merry. He examined

his wound, in company with the royal surgeon, who had now arrived. The

count was enjoined to keep his bed for a few days, and to remain quiet.

This inactivity did not quite please Count Gerhard. He bargained with

the doctor, that he might be up within eight days, to be present at the

festival with which the Dane-court was to be concluded. The leech gave

him hopes of this, and, on these terms, he consented to remain at rest;

but it seemed to him a hard penance, that, for eight days, he must

neither drink wine, nor laugh to his heart's content, to chase away the

tedious hours, in company with his jester.

Drost Peter now committed him to the care of the surgeon and his

house-people, requesting the count and his followers to consider

themselves at home, and to excuse his absence on the necessary duties

of his office. Thereupon, he hastened to Sir John's residence, where

the old counsellor shortly after arrived. They had an hour's private

conversation on highly-important state affairs; after which they went

to mass together, in Our Lady's Kirk, where the whole court was

present, and where Sir John's wife, Lady Ingefried, and his daughter,

Cecilia, sat on the royal seat, next to the beautiful Queen Agnes.

As Sir John and the drost entered the church, all eyes were turned to

the young knight and the royal seat; and some thought they could

observe a slight blush on the queen's fair cheeks, as she hastily

returned the salutations of Sir John and the drost. As soon as mass was

over, the knights and ecclesiastics proceeded in crowds to the long

saloon of the palace, where the Dane-court was now held, instead of in

the open air--an old custom, which, by degrees, fell more and more into

disuse, much to the discontent of the people, because, by this means,

it was sought to exclude the burghers and peasants from taking part in

the proceedings of the Danish parliament.