"It was well, then, you knew not the bold viking's daughter," replied

the drost, "otherwise you would have had to do with me. It would have

been disgraceful to every Dane had not the brave adventurous maiden

been permitted to retire from Rypen as freely as she came. Had she not

infused her courage into our wily leader of the dance to-night, the

bravest Danish maiden had sung her song in vain, and you had not now

been governor of Rypen House."

"But, by Satan! she is the daughter of the infernal algrev!"

"What of that? She is a heroine, to whom we owe both thanks and honour;

and she has paid dearly enough for her bold adventure, if she has given

Rané her troth as its guerdon."

"You are right, Drost Peter," replied Thorstenson, cooling: "the girl

was worthy of a better husband, and should surely have had a better

father. Let her fly, then, the bold rock-bird! She may yet make a hero,

or at least a wily pirate, of our vile knight. But--death and

destruction!--had I known she was the algrev's daughter--"

"Even then, you would have respectfully kissed her hand, David

Barmhead!" interrupted the drost, smiling.

"The horses are ready, sir drost," cried Skirmen at the door.

Drost Peter took a hurried leave of the brave governor of Rypen House,

and left the castle; having first prudently put on a light breastplate

under his travelling-cloak. He rode off rapidly, followed by Skirmen,

along Green-street to the Market-place, without noticing the noisy

merriment of the burghers. In Merchant-street the crowds had

dispersed, and Skirmen observed several dark figures stealing about,

coffin-bearers apparently of the order of the Dominicans, having hoods

with large eyeholes over their faces; although, from their suspicious

movements and long strides, they more resembled disguised soldiers. The

trusty squire directed the attention of his master to these men, who

appeared to be closely watching him.

"Coffin-bearers, about to carry a body somewhere," observed the drost:

"what is remarkable in that?"

"It depends on what kind of body they are to carry," returned Skirmen;

"and whether it is not the first they meet."

The suspicious hoods disappeared, however, at the corner of

Ship-street, and Drost Peter rode over the bridge to the Middle-dam.

"What ails thee, Skirmen?" he inquired, stopping his horse in a

by-street. "Since yesterday, methinks thou hast laid thy valour aside.

Thou wert quite another carl when the robbers were seized by thee in

Daugberg quarry. Now, however, I see thou hast got a sweetheart in thy

head; and hast forgotten that the gold spurs are not to be won by

timidity and weakness."

Skirmen felt his cheeks tingle. "Had you not taken me for a timid fool

on the morning that we rode to Harrestrup, and had you not supposed the

grayfriar cloaks covered honest men," he replied, suppressing his

emotion, "then, perhaps, stern sir, had King Erik Christopherson last

year given me the stroke of knighthood, as on that evening you bade me

hope he would. I would then rather have received it from your hand," he

added, with a trembling voice; "but, if now you consider me a timid

coward, because I fear for your life, I desire nothing more than to

remain your trusty squire while I live. Warn you I must, however; for I

would rather go with silver spurs to my grave, than with gold ones

follow you to your's."

"My faithful Skirmen!" exclaimed the drost, much affected, as he

extended his hand to him, "I know it well: thou art more concerned for

my life than for thine own. But I am not an outlaw: I am here, well

armed, on the king's errand, and every cowl-cloak we see does not

conceal a traitor."

"These fellows have been sneaking after us during the whole day, stern

sir," replied Skirmen, "and I dare be sworn they are the duke's people.

I thought Count Gerhard and his troopers were to follow us."

"The count is his own master," observed the drost: "I know not whether

he purposes to attend the Dane-court or no."

"But Sir Rimaardson, then?"

"He goes from hence by sea. So, let us on. In these times, defenceless

travellers and princely personages only require an escort."

Skirmen was silent. They crossed the bridge to the Lower-dam, and

another leading across the third arm of the Nipsaa to the Stone-gate,

at the eastern end of the town. When they reached the gate, they found

it closed, by the orders of Sir Thorstenson. At the drost's command and

well-known sign it was immediately opened to them; and they were about

proceeding on their journey, when Skirmen heard himself called by a

clear female voice from above the gateway.

"For God's sake, dear master, let us halt," he exclaimed, eagerly,

springing from his horse. "Aasé is certainly in the Gatehouse prison."

"Free us, noble sir drost," cried Aasé from the prison-grating over the

arched gateway. "You can bear witness that my grandfather and I are

neither spies nor traitors."

On the word of the drost, and his explanation to the watch, the

prisoners were liberated; and old Henner, in the long cloak of a

pilgrim, and leading Aasé by the hand, stepped forth. He extended his

hand to Drost Peter, while Aasé flew delighted into Skirmen's arms.

"One word, sir drost," said Henner, in an under-tone. "If you would

ride safely to Snoghoi or Kolding to-night, tarry here till I return,

or at least allow the road to stand open for good friends. Run, Aasé!

Time presses!"

"What meanest thou, old man?" inquired Drost Peter, impatiently.

But he received no answer; for, with a few tremendous bounds, aided by

his staff, in the manner of the old Frisians, the tall pilgrim had

suddenly disappeared in the gloom. Shortly after, the strokes of an oar

were heard on the river, northward of the gate, and a glimpse was

caught of a boat running down the stream towards the castle with

incredible rapidity.

At the instant the old man disappeared, little Aasé also sprang nimbly

from Skirmen's arms, and was quickly out of sight; but as Skirmen

fancied he heard her footsteps on the bridge leading to the Lower-dam,

he mounted his norback, and was about to follow her, when his master

called him loudly and impatiently the other way. "Come, Skirmen, let us

forward. Henner is half crazed, and I cannot wait here to please his

whimsies. You may open the gate for the old man, if he again comes," he

added, turning to the burgher-guard; "or, should any one inquire for

me, do not detain him."

So saying, he rode off hastily. Skirmen followed him with a downcast

heart, and looking back every minute after his dear Aasé, to whom he

had scarcely had time to give a farewell kiss but in the faint

starlight he saw only the gloomy archway, and a long mailed hand

projecting threateningly from its walls.

"What means that hideous hand, dear master, on the town-gate there?" he

inquired, as a pretext for lingering a little longer, while he

continued gazing on the path by which Aasé had disappeared.

"The hand is placed there as a terror to transgressors of the laws,"

replied the drost, relaxing his speed, as he looked behind. "Whoever,

by forestalling, causes a scarcity in the town, loses his hand. But if

I mistake not, Skirmen, it is another hand, less stiff and cold, thou

art now looking after. Thou wouldst once more take leave of thy little

Aasé? Well, she is a fair maiden, and one day shall be thy wife. When

we have restored peace to the land, I shall care for your welfare. But

meanwhile banish all such weaknesses, and be strong. I dare not take a

single step from my appointed course, even for the sake of her who is

dearer to me than all."

"True: but you are now both travelling in the same direction, and

perhaps you may meet her at Kolding. But thanks, noble sir, for your

care for us," added Skirmen, "although lands and wealth I require not.

Aasé only desires that I should, like you, be a doughty knight, and do

you and our young king honour. Ride on, sir: I shall not longer detain

you. Our Lord may yet permit me to see my dear little Aasé again." He

hastily passed his hand over his eyes, and set spurs to his norback.

As they rode rapidly forward, Drost Peter tried to conjecture what

the warning of old Henner could mean, and why he had requested the

town-gate to be left open.

"It was thoughtless, Skirmen," he observed, "to humour the whim of the

old man about the gate. If the fellows you spoke of be traitors on our

track, we have ourselves opened the way for them to follow us."

Shortly after, they heard the sound of horses' hoofs behind them. They

turned, and in the twilight perceived a troop of horsemen approaching.

"Let us turn aside, sir," said Skirmen: "it is certainly the men in

cowls."

About an hundred paces behind them, and running into the wood to the

right, was a by-road, down which the suspicious troop disappeared.

"They have business elsewhere," said the drost, taking his hand from

his sword.--"Let us on!"

They resumed their journey at a brisk trot.

"Perhaps they prefer meeting us at the outlet of the wood," observed

Skirmen. "We have still the start; but it were most advisable, I think,

to return to Rypen for aid. It was not for nothing that old Henner

begged us to tarry."

"Nay, we shall use our advantage," said the drost, in a tone of

decision, as he spurred his horse: "if they be foes, they are in a

condition to overtake Jomfru Ingé before us, and who knows what her

twelve troopers are good for?"

After a sharp gallop they reached the outlet of the wood, where the

road became very narrow, and inclosed on both sides by steep banks.

Skirmen was a short distance in advance of his master, when he suddenly

wheeled about, and rode back.

"The hollow way is intercepted, sir," he cried. "And see, yonder come

the same troops again from the wood."

Drost Peter halted, looked around him, and drew his sword. "So much the

worse!" he exclaimed: "they have us in a trap. But we shall not suffer

ourselves to be caught like rats. Thy norback can climb like a cat,

Skirmen: ride up the height, then, and sound thy horn. If Henner brings

us aid, he will hear it, and hasten on. With God's assistance I can

manage to keep the fellows at bay for an hour. Quick, now!"

With much reluctance at leaving his master in this extremity, Skirmen

obeyed; and patting the neck of his norback, he soon reached the top of

the steep bank.

In the meanwhile the horsemen were approaching from both sides; but

before they could exhibit any hostile intention the horn of Skirmen

resounded loudly from the bank above. Both troops paused, apparently

surprised; but when they perceived only the single hornblower on the

height, they pressed forward rapidly, and had nearly surrounded the

drost, who, however, succeeded in placing his back to the steep bank.

He now first perceived whom he had before him; and recognised in the

band that came from the town the pretended coffin-bearers, with their

cowls over their faces, and long drawn swords in their hands. The other

band wore the same suspicious dress; and they numbered altogether more

than twenty, all on horseback. They maintained a profound silence, and

seemed to expect the drost to throw down his sword and surrender.

"Speak, fellows! what would you with me?" he shouted, brandishing his

sword on every side: "the first who advances, dies. If you be soldiers,

say under whose orders you act, that I may know the traitor; and if

there be a spark of honour in you, you will engage me singly, man to

man. But if you are robbers and highwaymen, expect no booty from me.

Bloody crowns are all you shall get, so long as I can wield my sword."

They answered not, but continued to press closer round him, none daring

first to begin the attack; for Drost Peter, as weapon-master of the

young king, was well known and generally feared for his skill with the

sword. In the meanwhile, the horn of Skirmen continued to sound

lustily, and was now answered by another from the direction of Rypen.

"Now, by Satan! quick! dead or alive!" cried a rough voice from among

the disguised horsemen, three of whom at once rushed in upon the drost.

One instantly fell wounded, the two others, and as many more as could

press forward, warmly continuing the assault. Drost Peter vigorously

defended himself, and kept them at bay, the violent plunging and

rearing of his steed preventing their blows from reaching him. The

irritated assassins, perceiving this, wounded the noble animal, which

rushed furiously into the midst of them, and fell.

Drost Peter lay for an instant on one knee, hemmed in on all sides by

the troopers, who threatened to crush him beneath their horses' hoofs.

He still retained his sword, although the blood streamed over his

fingers from a wound in his arm. By a flourish of his weapon he

succeeded in driving back the horses, and once more regained his feet.

At the same instant, Skirmen, who perceived the critical position of

his master, darted his squire's sword from the bank above, and the

leader of the gang rolled from his saddle, mortally wounded. The whole

troop then sprang from their horses, to overpower the unaided knight by

their united strength; but ere they could accomplish this, the blast of

the horn, in answer to Skirmen's, sounded close at hand. The maskers,

whom the fall of their leader seemed to have embarrassed, looked

behind, and caught sight of a well-armed troop of horsemen, headed by a

heavy knight on a white horse, who, with drawn sword, approached at

full gallop.

"The count from Kiel!--the one-eyed count!" cried one of the cowls;

and, as if by a thunderbolt, the whole band was scattered.

Abandoning the drost, and springing on their horses, in an instant they

all disappeared, except the two who lay wounded on the road, and whose

horses, with vacant saddles, followed the others.

Count Gerhard on his white steed, with Henner Friser and the Holstein

troopers, came up while Skirmen, with much solicitude, was binding up

his master's right arm.

"The fiend!" cried Count Gerhard, springing from his horse, "have we

come too late?"

"Time enough to save my life, noble count," replied Drost Peter,

joyfully extending his left hand.

"Why did you proceed in such haste, sir drost?" cried old Henner,

gloomily, from his saddle. "Humph!" he added, in a half whisper, after

a moment's thought, "it is on the track of a lady's car that you bleed

here. You would rather run the risk of that than follow a gray-beard's

advice."

"You are right, old man," answered Drost Peter: "youth and the wisdom

of old age do not go together. Besides, I was on my lawful road, and on

the king's errand; and if you knew that traitors lay in ambush, you

should have spoken plainly. Meanwhile, thanks for rede and deed."

When Count Gerhard perceived that his friend was not dangerously hurt,

he would have pursued the fugitives into the wood, but the drost

restrained him.

"It is useless," he said: "they have flown like chaff before your storm

of troopers. A couple of them only remain--let us be content with them.

Here lies their leader, who fell, as if by lightning, without my hand."

"I hit him," cried Skirmen, joyfully, as he completed the bandage on

his master's arm. "In three weeks you will again bear your sword, sir;

but next time you use it, bid me not make music to your sport."

"Thy music helped me more than mine own good sword, Skirmen, and thou

hast the aim of a David," said the drost, extending his hand to him.

They then approached the fallen leader, from whom Skirmen stripped the

cowl and cloak, when, in his military buff doublet, they recognised

with astonishment one of Duke Waldemar's Sleswick troopers. He died,

however, almost immediately, and without uttering a word. The other had

a similar doublet under his cloak. He was not mortally wounded; but

wore a daring look, and neither threats nor promises could make him

speak. They bound up his wound, and set him pinioned upon a horse.

Henner Friser now dismounted from the tall iron-gray horse he had

ridden.

"I took your war-steed from the castle-stables, sir drost. You may soon

require him," he said, with emphasis. "I shall now go on foot to my

grave, and never more set myself on the high horse. I have done it

roughly enough in bygone times, I know. Now I have finished with

worldly affairs; but I shall say an ave by the Holy Grave, for you and

the young king, if I do not fall suddenly into my own on the way. God

and St. Christian be with you, noble sir!" he added, with unusual

emotion. "Fortune is still with you in the midst of misfortune. But be

on your guard. If you are not beforehand with the mortal foe, he will

be beforehand with you. The crown you guard has not yet reached his

head."

Drost Peter mounted his well-known, handsome war-steed, which had

remained in the castle-stables since the last tilting-match. Sad, and

in silence, he held forth his hand to the old pilgrim.

"Nonsense!" exclaimed Count Gerhard, as Henner saluted him also, before

departing. "Thou art too sage a carl, Henner, not to make something

better than a penitent. I have learned more from thee to-night than

from all my scribes and wisemen in my life. Stay with me: thou shalt

carry my banner, and sit at my council. From what thou hast told me of

my fortune, I should like to know a little more of it."

"It is not well to know too much of that, highborn sir," replied

Henner, thoughtfully, shaking his gray head, as he leant upon his

pilgrim's staff. "Neither am I a wizard; but the skilled man knows the

world, and an old porpoise-hunter can still tell what weather we shall

have to-morrow. Our Lord's Book does not lie, and it does not quite

require a scribe to understand it. I know," he continued, looking

sharply at the count, "that you will get as far with your one honest

eye, as your wiliest foe with two; but, for all that, you must no more

depend on Fortune than another. She is a bubble that, as you well know,

bursts oftenest when it shines the clearest. I should willingly bear

your banner, highborn count, but what a man has promised to our Lord

and the Holy Virgin he must abide by. I have a heavy reckoning to

make, and death gives not long warning. God and St. Christian be with

you!--Farewell, youth," he said, turning to Skirmen: "I shall answer to

thee for Aasé, when thou answerest to me and her with thy fidelity and

bravery."

Skirmen seized the old man's hand, which he pressed warmly to his lips;

but before he could say a word, the old giant had snatched away his

hand, and was proceeding with rapid strides on the road to the river.

Drost Peter and Count Gerhard proceeded in silence on their way to

Kolding, and, following Henner's advice, took the road to the south of

the Skodborg river. Skirmen and the old jester followed at some

distance, with the troopers, having the captive highwayman between

them.

"For the first time I follow you over the Sleswick border, my good

friend," observed the count, at length breaking the silence. "This

surprise may import much. In these times every man does not wear his

heart upon his sleeve. The buff jackets prove little; but trust me,

nevertheless, the duke is the man. There is more under this, too, than

thanks for his imprisonment at Sjöborg. The old pilgrim did not boast

of my one eye without reason. I see, perhaps, even more clearly than

you; and what the wily duke carries on his shield begins to brighten

upon me. I should have much pleasure in probing the cunning gentleman a

little. Listen, my good drost," he continued, after a moment's

reflection: "if the duke does not appear at the Dane-court in proper

time, you must be at your post to preserve the queen and the young king

from being deceived by him. If he is not in a hurry to be chosen

protector, 'tis because he has a higher dignity in view. The old

pilgrim explained a riddle to me."

"What means all this, Count Gerhard?" inquired the drost, as he

scrutinised attentively his unusually grave countenance. "Old Henner

has not been filling your mind with surmises and whimsies? I have every

respect for his experience, but he is not always quite sane; and his

dreamy fancies I shall disregard. Whatever you may propose to do, noble

count, forget not that, for the safety of the crown and kingdom, we

must for the present avoid every hostile step against the duke."

"What I take in hand concerns myself, and has nothing to do with the

crown and kingdom," rejoined the count, "and so you shall not know it.

Will you confide the captured robber to my charge? I shall answer for

him."

"Of course," replied the drost: "that treasure you may retain. If it

concerned myself only, I should forget the adventure, and set the

prisoner loose; but if it has a higher import, it must be inquired

into. I believe the wily duke superior to a mere base and personal

revenge; and he must know me well enough to be assured that I would

not, contrary to the laws, oppose his election to the protectorship."

"He knows you more than well enough, my good friend," said Count

Gerhard, with a nod. "You would certainly be a most welcome guest in

his tower of Nordborg Castle. Yet you are right: we must keep to the

main business. Should I learn anything of importance to the queen

and the young king, you shall hear it from my own lips, before the

Dane-court is concluded. But," added he, confusedly, while the blood

mounted to his cheeks--"if I should hear that Duke Waldemar and the

fair Queen Agnes had concluded a private marriage-contract, you must

excuse me--"

"You astonish me, Count Gerhard!" exclaimed Drost Peter. "Do you

believe probable what I have long feared might be possible? And think

you the queen--"

"Of her I think nothing but what is good and fair and excellent,"

interrupted the count, with much ardour. "But however prudent she may

be, still she may err. Why should not she, too, be dazzled by a

glittering exterior? Were the handsome, well-spoken duke a squat,

one-eyed widower like myself, and a lout at talking with women, perhaps

it were better for all of us."

They continued their route thoughtfully and in silence. The usually

lively count, with his eye and some of his corpulence, seemed also to

have lost a part of his even, contented disposition. The loss of his

eye, however, did not disfigure him, but rather added to his martial

and somewhat heroic appearance; and the tinge of secret melancholy,

that blended at times with his good-natured jests, rendered the brave

and sturdy lord yet more amiable.

Drost Peter became so absorbed in his own thoughts, that the

conversation was not resumed. The image of Jomfru Ingé often cast its

radiance over his dark and gloomy pictures of the future. In every

cloud of dust he descried on the road, he imagined he caught a glimpse

of her travelling-car; and would then spur forward his steed so

rapidly, that the count and his followers had some difficulty in

keeping pace with him. But his hopes were invariably disappointed.

Frequently it was but a drove of oxen or a troop of horses he had seen,

and which, by blocking up the road, would intercept him in his

impatient career.

They had ridden more than seven miles across the Sleswick border, and

the sun was not yet high in the heavens, when they caught sight of the

proud [Oe]rnsborg, or Kolding House, as it was already called. The

castle was situated on a rising ground above the sea, on the other side

of the river Kolding; and, as it came in view, the drost's war-steed

neighed, and sprang lightly forward at his master's bidding.

"But why, in the name of Beelzebub, ride we in such a hurry?"

impatiently inquired Count Gerhard, puffing. "It is yet eight days to

the Dane-court; and if we reach Nyborg tomorrow, we shall be time

enough."

Drost Peter blushed. "I am commanded to make haste," he replied. "The

wind is fair, but the passage here is longer and more difficult than by

Snoghoi."

"Pokker, then! why do you not cross from Snoghoi?" asked the count.

"Yet true," he added, a little crabbedly, "you would fain see your

heart's dear again."

"How know you that, Count Gerhard?" demanded the drost, with some

surprise and bashfulness.

"Why, every man in the country knows that," replied his companion. "The

proud [Oe]rnsborg[37] yonder is Drost Peter Hessel's favourite castle;

and the eagle on a hill, with its wings displayed, stands on your seal

with as much propriety as it does in the town-arms. Here it was you

earned your first laurels against Duke Erik; and we have long known

that in [Oe]rnsborg you hold the gate and key of the kingdom against

both myself and the Duke of South Jutland."

"You are speaking of the castle," replied Drost Peter, smiling, "and

now I understand you. It is, indeed, a fortress dear to me, and of some

importance to the kingdom. King Erik Christopherson put it in an

excellent state of defence. It is an eyesore to you Holsteiners, I

know; but let us be good friends, nevertheless. Were the duke as

faithful a friend to us as you are, noble count, I should not have been

so zealous in completing the defences. To speak honestly," he

continued, extending his hand to the count, "I thought you meant to

jest with me of my veritable heart's dear; for it is no stone-bride I

am hurrying on to see. The castle is in good hands, but at present we

have no time to visit it."

"As a prudent drost, you would scarcely venture on that when a count of

Holstein is along with you, even although he has but half as many eyes

as other people."

"With your one eye you would certainly see more defects in the defences

than I should with both mine," observed the young drost, modestly, and

with a look of confidence in his companion; "but I know," he added,

"you would not betray its weakness to another than myself, and thus

both the castle and I would be gainers."

"I take you at your polite word, Drost Peter," exclaimed Gerhard.

"Defer your journey but for half an hour, and show me the castle's four

giant images, and its defences too."

They were now at no great distance from Kolding river. They rode

straight through the Bridge-wood, as it was called; and as they drew

near the great drawbridge, which here divides North from South Jutland,

they perceived approaching them an empty travelling-car, with four

horses, and attended by twelve horsemen.

"There comes back her carriage," cried Skirmen, hastily riding up to

his master. "You may still overtake her, as she can hardly yet have

left the fiord."

"You shall see the castle another time, noble count," exclaimed Drost

Peter, hurriedly, to his companion, and spurring forward his horse. "I

may perhaps, instead, show you a fairer image, which I would rather

bear on my shield than all the world's eagles and castles to boot."

"What the Pokker!" exclaimed Count Gerhard, laughing aloud, "am I

killing my horse by riding along with a lovesick knight? Well, my good

friend, if Drost Hessel can think of such follies in these serious

times, I am not the only fool in company."

They rode rapidly past the empty car, but were obliged to halt at the

bridge, which had been again drawn up. The drost had here established a

lucrative toll, and, under pretence of strict superintendence, had

recently issued an order, that this boundary bridge should be kept

drawn up, as during war, which caused much delay and inconvenience to

travellers.

In his impatient haste the drost himself vehemently exclaimed against

the captain of the burgher-watch, to whom the knights were unknown, and

who, before he would lower the bridge, demanded a strict account of

their claims to be admitted with so many soldiers. After some

altercation, on the drost announcing himself the bridge was lowered,

and, for the delay, the captain pleaded the fair excuse, that it was

the drost's own orders that had caused it.

"You are right, my friend," said Drost Peter, recollecting himself, as

a slight blush overspread his cheeks--"you have done your duty, and I

had no right to blame you."

The pacified captain saluted the drost, who, with his companion and the

troopers, proceeded to pass the bridge.

During the short parley, Count Gerhard had with great difficulty

restrained his laughter, which now broke forth in spite of him, as he

perceived, while crossing the bridge, how the drost hurried on and

gazed towards the vessels in the harbour.

"You now see yourself how execrable are your stringent laws, my

conscientious good sir drost," he said; "you certainly thought not of a

lover's haste when you ordered this bridge-barring."

"This is grist for your mill," returned the drost, who, although

somewhat vexed, could not restrain a smile at the good-natured sallies

with which Count Gerhard indemnified himself for the grievance of the

toll, which affected the relations of Denmark to Holstein as much as it

did those to South Jutland.

"If now you overtake not the fair lady, for whom I have ridden so many

good horses almost to death," continued the count, in the same vein,

"it will be sad enough: you will then regret having founded a toll at

this confounded gutter. The deuce take it! it costs me and my brave

Holsteiners more silver pieces in a year and a day, than the whole of

this paltry place is worth. Laugh I must, from sheer vexation."

"A truce to this raillery, Count Gerhard," exclaimed the drost,

hastily. "If I see aright, there is a ship leaving the harbour. If you

knew of what this cursed delay has robbed me, you would not have the

heart to laugh."

They had now ridden through the South-port and Bridge-street,

when the drost, turning to the right, proceeded at a gallop to the

Cloister-port, and across the large meadow-ground to the harbour,

followed by the count and his train.

In an instant he stood on the quay, anxiously inquiring who was on

board the vessel that had just left the harbour under full sail.

"A princess, it was, in sooth," answered an old steersman, as he

continued to hammer away carelessly at his rudder. "She came here in a

painted cage, with four horses. The town-governor himself was hat in

hand, and all were obliged to stand on their pegs before her. It was a

Swede that ran out with her. If this breeze continues, she will soon be

in the open sea; and if the skiff only holds together, she will reach

land; but it is a confounded rotten tub, and wont bear many thumps.

With the Swede, however, she would go, even had Satan himself been on

board."

"Lay to, with your fastest sloop!" cried the drost. "I shall pay you

tenfold. Only make haste!"

"Shall we on a lady-chase, stern sir?" mumbled the old sailor. "Eh,

well, I like that. The proud maiden has not offended you, I can see. In

half an hour's time I shall bring you alongside. It was, moreover, too

good a fare for a Swede."

"True, old man. But be quick!" cried the drost, giving him a handful of

money.

In a few moments a small sloop lay close to the quay, and Skirmen

immediately led the horses on board. Drost Peter meanwhile took leave

of Count Gerhard.

"Heaven prosper you, noble count," he said, as he pressed his hand: "if

our own hope be a fugitive which we can never overtake, we relinquish

not the great hope of the country and kingdom: 'for the queen and our

young king!' is our watchword."

"Well, my good friend," replied Count Gerhard, smiling, "you shall soon

hear from me. Meantime, forget not to steer the proper course to

Melfert."

Shortly afterwards the sloop, with Drost Peter and his squire, left

Kolding Harbour under full sail. Count Gerhard remained smiling on the

quay. He perceived the light bark speed like an arrow through the

water, and gain upon the skiff with the blue and yellow sails, that

conveyed Jomfru Ingé. That she was the lady with whom Drost Peter had

danced into Rypen House, and whom he now hastened so ardently to

overtake, was a gratifying supposition. Although the suspicion, of

which the scar on his breast reminded him, had long since vanished, he

was not displeased to observe that his chivalrous rival in the queen's

favour seemed disposed to forget, for the daughter of a knight, all the

kings and queens in the world.

The two vessels were soon so near, that they could see each other.

Drost Peter stood on the prow of the one; and a tall female form, in a

red mantle edged with sable, appeared on the stern of the sloop he was

pursuing. He knew Lady Ingé and shouted her name.

"For Heaven's sake, slacken sail, and let me conduct you to land!" he

cried, "Your boat can never keep the sea."

Lady Ingé only shook her head, and, loosening her veil, waved him a

fond farewell.

"If you wish to board, stern sir knight," cried the old steersman, "I

can drive in one of the Swede's planks, and I warrant he'll soon

strike."

"Nay, nay," replied the drost, "no violence. She is free. Steer past

them, and as near as possible."

An instant more and the vessels were side by side. Drost Peter stood,

with outstretched arms, a few yards from the beautiful Ingé, whose eyes

were fixed on him with a look of inexpressible tenderness.

"For Erik the king so young!" she exclaimed, pointing forwards, and at

the same time relinquishing her veil, which the wind carried over to

the knight. A piece of the garland from the triumphant dance of the

previous evening accompanied it, and alighted on his feathered hat.

At the same instant the vessels parted, and the deep abyss again

widened between the two lovers. Drost Peter fancied he saw a tear in

the eye of the proud damsel; but the look she had bestowed on him

filled his soul with the most joyous hopes. He pressed her veil to his

lips, and, with a perfect confidence of her success, and reverence for

her firm, immoveable purpose, directed the helmsman to steer for

Melfert. "God and his mighty angels are with the maiden," he exclaimed:

"we dare not stay her."

The vessels were already far apart. Drost Peter continued to gaze after

the retiring skiff, on which he long fancied he could discern a lappet

of Jomfru Ingé's mantle; and sad, but wonderfully strengthened and

inspirited by this fond adieu, he hastened on his necessary and

appointed way.

* * *

The almost incredible account was soon spread over the whole kingdom,

of the manner in which Rypen House had been surprised, and the song of

the maidens--"For Erik the king so young!" soon became a popular

ballad. The news was especially gratifying to the queen and the young

king, and, as first bearer of the tidings, Drost Peter was received

with double pleasure at Nyborg Castle, where important affairs demanded

his presence in the council. He also brought better accounts than were

expected, respecting the chief object of his journey. He had seen

numerous proofs of the attachment of the people to the royal house, and

the general hatred of Marsk Stig and his adherents; and he had,

moreover, learnt important particulars with regard to the conspirators

and the king's murder. The defences of Marsk Stig on Helgeness and

Hielm he could describe as an eye-witness, and they were found to be

far less formidable than they were represented by the duke's reports,

and by uncertain and alarming rumours.

While magnificent preparations were going on in Nyborg for the

Dane-court, at which the young king would appear for the first time in

the seat of judgment, the privy council assembled daily. Drost Peter

did not conceal his distrust of the duke. His wounded arm excited much

interest, and his account of the highwaymen's attack gave rise to many

conjectures, which he himself, however, regarded as highly uncertain,

for he attached little importance to the occurrence. But old Sir John

and Master Martinus found in it a strong confirmation of their

suspicions regarding the duke, when considered in connection with his

doubtful movements in Viborg, which had caused their hasty and secret

journey with the royal family to Nyborg.

The chivalrous-minded little king, too, thought they were over

suspicious and cautious.

"Is not my kinsman the duke a knight and a prince?" he observed, one

day, when the matter was under discussion in the council; "and does he

not know that he cannot break faith and promises, without forfeiting

his honour, and becoming a mockery to the whole world?"

"If God's law does not bind him, my young king and master," replied

Master Martinus, "the laws of knighthood will have still less power,

especially as they do not yet properly concern him. True, he is a

prince of the royal blood; but the stroke of knighthood he has not

formally received. Your late father, from whose hand alone he could

worthily accept it, delayed this proof of honour longer, perhaps, than

was desirable, considering the relation in which they stood."

"Well, I shall give him the stroke of knighthood as soon as I have

myself received it, and have a right to confer it," answered the young

king. "My uncle Otto must dub me previous to my coronation; for it is

not becoming that I should be crowned King of Denmark, before I am duly

admitted into the noble order of knighthood."

Sir John smiled, and shook his gray head; but Drost Peter contemplated

his royal pupil with delight. He considered that the desire of the

young king evinced his respect as much for the crown as for the order

of knighthood; and he observed that it was not unusual for princes in

their minority to entertain such a wish, and that they had already, in

Charlemagne and his son, an example in point, and an illustrious

instance of knighthood being honoured and followed.

"But, by the laws of chivalry, the minority ceases with the stroke

which confers knighthood," observed Sir John; "and the constitutional

law of the kingdom debars us from shortening the period of the king's

minority."

"Tis true, noble Sir John," replied Drost Peter; "but here the laws of

chivalry must give way to that greater law, which secures the freedom

and welfare of the people. To my mind, however, a minor king is not of

less dignity than any of his knightly servants."

The queen and Master Martinus supported the views of Drost Peter, and

the wishes of the little king; and, with a shrug, old Sir John gave

way, considering the question as one of little importance. The duke's

position in the kingdom was, to him, a subject of far graver concern.

The necessity of carefully concealing every suspicion, and of

entrusting the duke with his full share in the government, as well as

with the guardianship of the king, was stated so clearly by the old

nobleman, that even Master Martinus, to whom such a course was most

repugnant, could offer no objections. On this subject the queen

entertained not the least suspicion, and Drost Peter's personal

distrust of the duke gave way to the exigency of the occasion, and his

respect for the laws of the country.

Whilst these important state affairs occupied the council, Drost Peter

vainly sought an opportunity of conferring with Sir John concerning

Jomfru Ingé and her journey to Sweden; for, on the slightest allusion

to the subject, the counsellor, who apparently knew nothing of it,

immediately started another.

The day fixed for the Dane-court had come. The queen's brothers, the

Margraves of Brandenburg, had arrived on the previous day, having, two

days before, left the duke in his camp near Rypen. The duke himself,

however, had not yet reached Nyborg. To delay the Dane-court until his

arrival, was repugnant to the dignity of the crown and kingdom. Every

one was surprised at his apparent indifference on this important

occasion, when his presence was so essential. The queen, especially,

was irritated by this want of attention, which seemed to her so unlike

the usual politeness and knightly behaviour of the duke.

On the first day of Whitsuntide, the Dane-court was held with the

customary formalities. Its general business was conducted by the

council, whose decisions were confirmed by the queen and the young

king, who, equally with his mother, issued and confirmed charters and

grants to churches and convents, subscribing himself King of the Danes

and Sclaves, and Duke of Eastland. But the principal business--that

which related to the king's guardianship, and the regency of the

kingdom during his minority--was still unsettled. The two first days of

the court's sittings had passed, and the duke was still absent.

At the close of the second day Drost Peter left the palace, and retired

to his own dwelling, intending to devote a portion of the night to a

revision of the business which was to occupy the court on the following

day. He sat alone in his closet, and, as he recalled to mind old

Henner's warning, and the suspicions of Count Gerhard, the daring

thought occurred to him, that they might now, perhaps, with justice,

pass over the duke's election to the guardianship.

His anxious and uneasy thoughts were disturbed by a noise in the

palace-square, accompanied by the clattering of horses' hoofs, and the

horns of the castle-guard--a salute given only on the arrival of a

princely personage. He hastily approached the window, and perceived the

duke enter with great pomp, attended by a considerable retinue of

knights. Among these he observed three with locked visors, and these,

by their armorial bearings, he recognised as three of the marsk's most

audacious kinsmen, of whose personal participation in the murder of the

king he had sure and ample proofs. Hastily seizing his cloak and hat,

he hurried to the castle, where Sir John, as captain of the trabants,

had already received the duke, and, at his importunate request, had

admitted him to a private audience with the queen and her brothers.

Drost Peter learnt these tidings with much concern just as he reached

the door of the guard-chamber, where little Aagé Jonsen stood sentinel

among the torch-pages. The drost hastily entered, and approached Sir

John, who was passing thoughtfully before the door of the royal

apartments. He did not appear desirous of conversing, as, without

stopping, he only nodded silently to the drost. The latter once or

twice vainly endeavoured to find an opportunity of communicating his

suspicions.

"The council must, of course, again meet to-night," at length he

observed in an under tone, as Sir John turned to pass him.

"Its present leader is with the queen," replied Sir John, continuing

his walk.

"Can nothing be done?" whispered the impatient drost, when the old man

again approached him. "There are traitors in the duke's retinue. The

queen's mind is dazzled, and this hour probably decides the fate of the

crown and country."

"It is in the hand of God," replied the old counsellor, in whose eye

glistened a tear. "He, you know, can cause the blind to see."

He resumed his walk with a lively and careless air, and, in a jesting

humour, put a few indifferent questions to one of the trabants.

"Unless a miracle happen here," exclaimed Drost Peter, vehemently, as

the old counsellor again stood by him, "either you or I must speedily

open the eyes of the queen and people."

"Precipitate man! what think you of?" whispered Sir John. "Your zeal

will plunge the whole country into misfortune. Be calm, my young

friend," he immediately added, as he took his hand and led him aside,

"otherwise you will certainly increase our misfortunes. Some of the

marsk's friends are here, to defend themselves, it is said. If,

therefore, we were even certain of what we may apprehend, we must still

be silent, and submit to necessity."

"What! even if, ere the morrow, it could be demonstrated to the queen

and the whole people that our new protector is a traitor to the

country?"

"Even then. He now holds the fate of the kingdom in his hand. By an

open rupture, we might place him at the head of the rebels. At present,

he must condemn and punish them, although against his wish. Until Marsk

Stig falls, the duke must stand. He must be honoured as the prop of the

throne, if even he be its most deadly foe. All that can at present be

done is to warn the queen, and guard well the young king. Appear calm,

then, as I do--and lively, if you can."

Their conference was suddenly interrupted by the entrance of the

court-marshal, who invited them to a supper given by the queen, and

intended as a feast of welcome to the duke.

"You perceive," exclaimed Drost Peter, when the court-marshal had

retired, "that our wily and eloquent protector is already in high

favour."

"'Tis politic, perhaps," replied Sir John. "Our noble mistress is not

easily duped. We must, however, seem unconcerned, and in good humour.

In this matter let me be your preceptor, my good drost. If you would be

a statesman, you must first be master of your own countenance." And,

with an expression of good-natured gaiety, the old counsellor, with his

grave young friend, entered the royal apartments, after having

appointed another trabant captain to take his place.

In a short time all the court officers, the members of the council, and

the most considerable noblemen who attended the Dane-court, were

assembled in the great riddersal, where the queen's ladies already

waited for her. She entered soon after, attired in deep mourning, and

accompanied by her brothers and young King Erik. At her left hand

walked Duke Waldemar. He, too, wore a magnificent mourning-suit,

and his haughty look of triumph betrayed a high degree of

self-satisfaction, as he endeavoured to conceal his joy at a success

which seemed no longer doubtful, although he saw it yet only in the

distance. Sir John saluted him with much politeness and ease, whilst

Drost Peter observed merely needful courtesies; the demeanour of the

other counsellors being indicative more of fear than of goodwill.

Drost Peter regarded the queen attentively. He thought he perceived in

her features a calm contentment, which, with her air of dignity, and a

quiet, half-melancholy smile, did not ill contrast with her mourning

attire; and as she cast on him a grave look, he fancied he read therein

a rebuke for distrusting her sagacity and knowledge of mankind. It

seemed to him as if she intended, by her whole conduct, to banish every

doubt, which the friends of the royal house might entertain, of the

loyalty of the princely personage whom she thought worthy to be

distinguished as the most important man in the country.

When the general salutations and the customary formalities of court

were over, she led forward the duke, and presented him to the chief men

of the kingdom. "Our very princely friend and kinsman," she said, "from

regard to the welfare of the country and the royal house, has

magnanimously exposed himself to be misjudged, as well by me as by you.

He had deferred receiving from this Dane-court his election to the

protectorship, on account of a rumour which his enemies have

circulated, concerning a grievous want of confidence in him here,

and of a party which, therefore, would stir up the people at the

Dane-court, and create discord in the kingdom. Having learned, however,

that the report is unfounded, he has no longer hesitated to come

forward to justify himself. He brings us, moreover, the important and

satisfactory intelligence, that the rebellious Marsk Stig has returned

to reason, and has submitted his cause and that of his accomplices to

the decision of the Dane-court. The duke, by not attacking the rebels,

has prudently sought to avoid a devastating civil war; whilst, by

collecting a numerous army, he has overawed and restrained them. He has

ventured in person within the defences of Marsk Stig, to induce him to

submit to the laws of the country; and he brings with him, under his

own conduct, to this Dane-court, three of the marsk's friends, that it

may not be said that even our most dangerous foes were condemned

unheard. I look on this enterprise to be as valorous and upright as it

is wise and politic; and it gladdens me that I can reasonably hope for

prosperity to the kingdom of Denmark, and at the same time bid the

noble Duke Waldemar welcome amongst us."

The latter words she addressed to the duke, who advanced, and bowing

profoundly, in easy and elegant terms acknowledged this flattering

reception. With apparent animation and sincerity, he avowed his

attachment to the queen and the young king, at the same time extolling

the loyal adherents of the royal house with a condescension and an

insinuating address which were not without effect on the greater part

of those who heard him.

The doors of the dining-hall were then thrown open, and the duke led

the queen to the table, where the youthful king took his place at her

right hand.

This was the first occasion on which any deviation had been made from

that mournful silence which, since the death of King Erik

Christopherson, had uniformly prevailed at court. And, even now, the

feast was in nowise noisy: neither song, nor music, nor loud-voiced joy

was heard; and, as soon as the table was removed, the company

separated.

The duke retired to the wing of the castle he usually occupied during

the Dane-court. Sir John again resumed his station before the royal

apartments, as captain of the body-guard; and Drost Peter returned to

his own dwelling, his mind filled with painful doubts and fears.

When the grave drost entered, he found Count Gerhard enjoying himself

over a goblet of wine; whilst old fostermother Dorothy, who was now her

master's housekeeper here, loaded the table with viands of every

description. At a signal from the drost, the bustling nurse left the

apartment, whilst he greeted his guest not without some uneasy

apprehensions.

"Welcome home, my good friend!" cried the count, gaily, as he rose,

after having drained his goblet. "I am here, gathering strength from

your excellent wine. If your fostermother reared you on this, I wonder

not you are so strong and active. She is a capital housewife. You could

never be better treated, even had you an angel for a wife. It is lucky

she was not hanged or buried alive for her womanly honour's sake. But,

what's the matter? Am not I welcome? You look as if you were outlawed

by the Dane-court, or cited before the Ribe-Ret."

"You are heartily welcome, noble Count Gerhard," replied the drost,

extending his hand; "and if peace and joy are not to be seen in my

face, it is certainly no fault of your's. You are true to your word, I

see, and no false prophet. The duke arrived this evening. To-morrow he

is my master, and that of the royal house. But what have you

discovered?"

"A very pretty thing, my good friend. You were as near being buried

alive us your nurse was; and Nordborg Tower was to have been your

grave. I succeeded in unbinding the highwayman's tongue with the point

of a good sword at his throat. He confessed he would have broken your

neck if he could not have taken you prisoner, for you had in your

pocket important proofs against the regicides."

"And for that reason--ah! I understand," exclaimed Drost Peter. "But

what farther?"

"Wait a little, my good friend. A man can't live on talk. Your

confounded state affairs have nearly worn me out." So saying, Count

Gerhard quietly resumed his seat, and replenished his goblet, whilst

the drost impatiently awaited his farther communications.

"The duke is a cunning gentleman," began the count, when he had emptied

his goblet, and again praised the wine; "and I am a downright stormer,

they say. 'Tis true, indeed, that I mostly cut away right before me,

and go straight to my object, without deviation. But now you shall see

that I too, at a pinch, can play the fox--"

"I heartily believe it, my dear count; therefore, for Heaven's sake,

don't prove it to me now! What know you of the duke? What has he been

doing? What could have kept him from the Dane-court? Where has he

been?--"

"Softly, softly, my good friend. A man cannot answer everything at

once. He has not slept for the last three days--neither have I: you can

see it in my appearance. I have ridden three horses to death, and

scarcely hang together myself. But listen to all in due order. When we

danced with the pretty maidens at Rypen House, the duke lay, you know,

on the lazy side, in his camp hard by. But on holy St. Germanus'

day--let me see--yes, it was the 28th of May, the first day of the

Dane-court here--he was certainly in Sleswick, where, in the presence

of his own council and that of the bishop, he issued a trading charter,

in favour of the shopkeepers of Lubeck, of the following tenor--"

"Do you jest with me, Count Gerhard? What possible connection has this

with the crown and kingdom?"

"More than you dream of, my good friend," replied the count. "The tenor

of the charter I will spare you, for I cannot remember it, and it is

nothing to the purpose: but mark you--he performed a public, although

an insignificant act of government, in Sleswick, on the same day on

which he should here have been chosen protector and guardian of the

king. There, now, you have a political riddle, which will become a hard

nut for posterity to crack; but I can solve it for you. He had, shortly

before, been at Helgeness, with Marsk Stig--"

"That we know," interrupted the drost, impatiently: "he has not

concealed it; and it has just been explained to his honour, as a proof

of his fidelity and zeal for the royal cause."

"I'faith, if you know everything, my sagacious sir drost, then are you

wiser than even my Daddy Longlegs, as we shall see--"

"Your jester?"

"Aye--you know him. He is mad enough at times: he fancied he was the

dead king, when he knocked my eye out; but when he is not mad, and has

a mind to put a wax nose on people, he is a deuce of a carl, and ready

to laugh himself to death at--"

"But, _min Gud!_ what has a fool to do with state affairs? Forget not,

on account of that good-for-nothing fellow, what you were about to

say."

"Respect Longlegs, my good friend. Such a fool can be more sagacious

than a whole privy council. For the last eight days he has been clad in

iron from top to toe, and has personated the marsk's confidential

swain, Mat Jute. He resembled him to a hair, and imitated his Juttish

accent in a masterly manner: it was thus he came to know that of which

I had already an inkling, and what old Henner had observed during his

imprisonment with the marsk. Whilst the duke kept away from the

Dane-court, a tumult and an outbreak were to be occasioned here, on the

first court-day, by the aid of the marsk and his friends; but I

prevented it by causing all the ferries to be closed for three days, so

that none of the disturbers could come over."

"My God! what do I hear? What would then have happened?"

"Under pretence of a rising against the duke himself, wherein it was

believed the people would take part, the queen and the young king were

to be seized during the confusion. We compelled the captive highwayman

to report that you were in good keeping at Nordborg, and for that lie

he had his freedom yesterday. Whilst the royal prisoners, with the

algrev's assistance, were carried to Tönsberg, the duke with his army

was to proceed to Viborg, and, in order to save the country, was to

suffer himself, from sheer necessity, to be hailed as king. He was, as

you have seen, prepared to prove, by a public document, that he was in

Sleswick during the tumult on the 28th of May; so that the cunning

gentleman could wash his hands of what had then happened. In the

meantime, as I expected, he found out the stroke I made in the

reckoning; and he must have ridden neck or nothing from Sleswick to be

here to-night."

"Come, Count Gerhard," exclaimed Drost Peter, startled, "this is a

matter for the closet. I turn giddy at the mere thought of it. If you

can adduce me clear proofs of this monstrous treachery, he shall be

overthrown, even if it costs me my own life."

Drost Peter hastily withdrew his guest into his closet, where he noted

down every word spoken by the count, and every circumstance that could

throw light on the truth of his narrative. The jester was also

examined, and his statement duly recorded. Count Gerhard set his seal

to the depositions, and further bound himself, by his oath and his good

sword, to make good what might be deficient in formal testimony. With

the utmost gravity of countenance, the jester likewise set his seal to

the document with a button of his squire's jacket.

Next morning betimes, before the Dane-court commenced, Drost Peter had

a private conversation with Sir John; but almost as early, the duke was

with the Margraves of Brandenburg and the queen.

On this last and most important day of the Dane-court, the business, as

usual, would be transacted in the open air, in sight of the people, in

the area before the palace. It was the third day in Whitsun-week, and

the finest spring weather favoured the solemnities with which the young

king would, at the same time, be hailed by his Funen subjects.

Everything was prepared with the utmost magnificence. On each side of

the throne, which the young king would occupy, was a splendid seat,

both of nearly the same elevation, provided for the queen and Duke

Waldemar. Scarlet cloth was spread on the ground, and two semi-circles

of chairs were placed for the princes and knights, as well as for the

bishops and prelates; but in the middle of the circle stood a round

table, covered with black cloth, with three and thirty chairs around

it, which, however, seemed to occupy but a small portion of the large

space. This unusual spectacle gave rise to many doubtful observations

among the people. From an early hour in the morning, an unusually

large number of burghers and peasants were assembled on the site of the

Dane-court, and an anxious silence prevailed.

The knights and ecclesiastics afterward assembled, among the latter of

whom were the worthy dean, Master Jens Grand, and the Archbishop of

Lund, John Dros, together with the bishops of the entire kingdom.

The eyes of all were now directed to the great doors of the palace,

from which the royal party was every minute expected to proceed. They

were at length thrown open, and two heralds, with lofty plumes in their

helmets, and bearing white rods, appeared, heading the procession, as

on the occasion of a tournament; although the mourning-dresses imparted

to the whole more the appearance of a funeral train. The youthful king

walked gravely and firmly by the side of his stately mother, and was

followed by Prince Christopher, with the duke and the queen's brothers.

Count Gerhard had unexpectedly placed himself in the princely train.

Nor had he come alone; for he was accompanied by his two brothers, the

young Counts of Holstein, and the wise and brave Prince Witzlau of

Rygen, his private friend, and a loyal vassal of the Danish crown.

These noblemen had just been presented to the king; but Count Gerhard,

having had no opportunity of approaching the queen, was forced to

salute her from a distance.

At the head of the twelve councillors came old Sir John, the Chancellor

Martinus, and Drost Peter. No trace of anxiety was visible on the

countenance of the aged statesman. Master Martinus also appeared calm;

but his head was bowed, and his hands folded within the ample sleeves

of his Dominican habit, as if he were engaged in secret prayer. Drost

Peter strove in vain entirely to conceal the contest of feelings that

divided his soul: his wounded arm rested in a sling; and under his

other, concealed beneath his sable knight's mantle, he carried a bundle

of documents. When he perceived the proud, triumphant glance of the

duke, his eyes flashed indignation; but he had promised Sir John to

control his feelings, and he was himself fully alive to the necessity

which existed for dissimulation. A bitter smile, however, played for a

moment on his lips, as it occurred to him that he might then, perhaps,

with a joyous face, be following the freedom and happiness of his

country to their grave.

The royal squires, who, after the marsk, under-marsk, and knights,

closed the procession, were headed by the favourite of the youthful

king, Aagé Jonsen, who, since the catastrophe at the barn of Finnerup,

had become singularly quiet and serious. Drost Peter, his own and young

Erik's weapon-master, was his model of chivalry, and already he wore,

with almost the dignity of a knight, the squire's sword and silver

spurs with which his young king had presented him.

When the Dane-court was at length seated, and the people saw the little

king upon throne, and beheld the noble bearing of the queen, with so

many wise and faithful counsellors by the side of their youthful

monarch, the deep, long-held silence was suddenly broken by a deafening

shout of joy and loyalty.

As when the homage of the people was received at Scanderborg, Sir John

now read aloud the document respecting the election of the king, and

the acclamations of the assembly were repeated with redoubled ardour.

In the midst of this applause the little king rose, and bowed

gracefully around; the childlike pleasure he felt at being thus

the object of general homage, adding a grace and simplicity to his

natural dignity and early knightly bearing that invested him with an

irresistible charm.

When the king rose, the queen likewise stood up, while Duke Waldemar

and the other princes, with all the knights and vassals of the kingdom,

acknowledged the sovereignty of their youthful monarch, by bending

themselves before the throne.

When this act of homage was concluded, Sir John advanced and read that

article in the constitution by which the queen and Duke Waldemar were

entitled to exercise concurrently the functions of government during

the minority of the king. Notwithstanding the discontent visible in

many faces, no objection was offered, and the queen and the duke were

formally confirmed in this authority. When the document, after being

subscribed by the estates of the kingdom, was read to the people, the

name of the queen was greeted with loud applause, while that of the

duke was received in almost unbroken silence. A few voices only, among

which was that of Master Grand, attempted to raise a shout of "Long

live Duke Waldemar, the king's guardian, and protector of the kingdom!"

And although a considerable number joined in it, it was in a tone

indicative more of compulsion and fear than of goodwill.

The duke having bowed with an air of condescension, the young king

again arose. A perfect stillness and attention prevailed, while his eye

rested on Drost Peter and Master Martinus, in whose encouraging looks

he seemed to read what he had to say. Quickly conquering the bashful

feeling which for a moment had seized him, he began, with a firm voice,

and in a tone so loud that all could hear him:--

"My loyal Danish people, I here promise, before God and Our Holy Lady,

that I will be a good and upright king. I acknowledge the constitution,

and recognise the will of the people, as just and binding; cheerfully

submitting myself to the guardianship of my dear mother and of the duke

until I have attained my majority. And as I am, under this legal

guardianship, the lawful King of Denmark, and inherit the crown of my

father and the great Waldemars, I now, confident of the approval of my

guardians and counsellors, order and command, that the cause against

the murderers of my late father shall, by this Retter-Ting, be rigidly

investigated and decided. Stand forward, Drost Peter Hessel. On my

behalf and that of the crown, you are appointed accuser of the

regicides."

Drost Peter advanced, and drew forth the documents he carried beneath

his mantle.

"With the consent of my dear mother and Duke Waldemar," continued the

youthful Erik, whilst, turning his eyes on Sir John, he recited, almost

word for word, what that aged statesman had prepared for him, "I

propose that my worthy uncle, Margrave Otto of Brandenburg, my trusty

vassal, Prince Witzlau of Rygen, the valiant and upright Count Gerhard

of Holstein, and his illustrious brothers, together with seven and

twenty chief men of the Danish nobility and knighthood, be now

constituted a tribunal, to investigate the accusation and the evidence

offered by the drost. After which, let them declare who were the men

that, on St. Cecilia's night, in the barn of Finnerup, laid violent and

regicidal hands on my late father, King Erik Christopherson. With this

hand upon his bloody breast, I vowed to his soul and the righteous God

that, from the throne of Denmark, this should be my first command, and

that the ungodly regicides should receive the punishment due to their

crime, according to the strictest justice and the outraged laws of the

land."

The warmth and earnestness, no less than the authority, with which this

demand was pronounced, excited general surprise and admiration. The

latter words, which, to the astonishment of Sir John, had been added by

the young monarch himself, had brought the tears into his eyes.

When he had resumed his seat, the queen, who appeared prepared for this

announcement, immediately arose, and said--"I approve of the king's

proposition. It has already been well considered in the council of the

nation, and now requires only the approbation of the illustrious Duke

Waldemar."

"I, likewise, approve of it," said the latter, in a tone which showed

that he was constrained to acquiesce only by the necessity of his

position.

By Sir John's arrangements, seven and twenty noblemen, the eldest and

most respected in the assembly, were then chosen, who, with the princes

already named, immediately took their seats at the black table within

the circle, prepared to hear and examine the accusation and evidence

offered by the drost. Whilst thus engaged, the deep silence of

expectation pervaded the rest of the assembly. When they had concluded,

the three knights, strongly guarded, advanced at the signal of the

duke. As defenders of the accused, they had been brought there under

his safe conduct. They were completely clad in mail, and wore their

visors down.

The princes and the other members of the tribunal now approached the

throne. The Margrave Otto of Brandenburg, who, with a parchment in his

hand, was at their head, then bowed before the king and the assembly,

and read aloud and distinctly, in Danish, though with a foreign accent,

as follows:--

"After the charges laid before us, and the witnesses we have heard, we

are constrained to name, as proved to have been participators in the

murder of King Erik Christopherson, the following persons, knights and

Danish noblemen:--The right princely Count Jacob of Halland; Stig

Andersen Hvide, marsk of the kingdom of Denmark; High Chamberlain Ové

Dyré; Sirs Peder Jacobsen, Peder Porsé, Niels Hallandsfar, Arved

Bengtson, Niels Knudson, and Jacob Blaafod; also Chamberlain Rané and

Squire Aagé Kaggé. That the abovenamed eleven men, together with a

twelfth, who has since appeared before a higher tribunal, were present

in disguised dresses, on St. Cecilia's night, at Finnerup barn, near

Viborg, and did personally take part in the murder of the king, we do

here testify and swear, with our hands upon the holy Gospels, in

presence of the all-seeing God, and before the king and people of

Denmark."

While the names were read, two of the mailed knights seemed to stagger;

but the third, a ponderous and stately figure, remained unmoved,

wrapped, with an air of defiance, in his blue mantle, and his clenched

hands crossed upon his breast. No sooner had the princes and their

fellow-judges sworn to the truth of their verdict, than this haughty

personage, advancing a step, struck his visor up, and, turning round,

exhibited to the assembly a countenance at once wild and warlike,

although somewhat pale.

"Count Jacob!--Count Jacob himself!"--ran from mouth to mouth, in a

subdued murmur of astonishment.

"Yes, I am Count Jacob of Holland, kinsman to the royal house, and a

general of Denmark," he exclaimed, with an air of pride and defiance;

"and here stand my faithful friends, the brave Sirs Arved Bengtson and

Jacob Blaafod, who, along with me, are named among the murderers of

King Erik Christopherson."

His companions then struck aside the gratings of their helmets, and

revealed the accused regicides, who, despite their haughty bearing,

were yet deadly pale, and apparently doubtful of their personal

security, notwithstanding the safe conduct of the duke.

"We mean not to impugn the decision of so many lords and knights,"

continued the proud count. "Lying and falsehood we bear not upon

our shields. Danish honesty we expect also here. We have been

promised, in the name of the king, a safe conduct and just treatment.

We demand, therefore, not only the right to withdraw from hence

unmolested, but first to be heard in our defence. That which we have

done, we feel assured we can defend with our lips as well as with our

swords, wherever honesty and justice prevail. To defend the right, in

self-vindication, is nowhere forbidden; and that we call right which we

have accomplished on a man of violence, who himself had broken every

law, before we broke the rod over his guilty head."

The queen had risen, and the young king had sprung up, amazed at this

matchless boldness. The rage of the people was great at beholding

amongst them the convicted regicide, although his princely rank and his

known bravery imposed silence on many. His daring, too, pleased some,

and his exordium about Danish honesty was flattering to a considerable

portion. The rebels had also secret friends among the people, and a

dangerous murmur began to pervade the excited assemblage; while a

multitude of the poorer burghers of Nyborg, who were particularly

attached to the late king, rushed forward with furious clamour to wreak

their vengeance on his murderers. With the greatest difficulty could

the rank of knights keep in restraint the infuriated populace, and the

uproar threatened to put a stop to the proceedings, when Sir John and

Drost Peter restored order by announcing that sentence should

immediately be pronounced on the regicides, and their punishment

rendered speedy and certain.

"Let them be carried at once to the wheel!" cried Junker

Christopherson, as he menaced them with his clenched hand.

The queen's indignation was great; but she remained silent, and sank

back, pale and agitated, on her seat. The appearance of the murderers,

and the wild faces of the people, painfully reminded her of the

audacious visit of Marsk Stig, on the morning after the king's

assassination.

"Had I imagined that these gentlemen had personally participated in the

deed, they should never have received a safe conduct from me,"

exclaimed the duke, in some perturbation. "But now, for the sake of my

own honour and that of the crown, I must demand that they be suffered

freely to depart, whatever judgment may be pronounced upon them."

"You are right, Duke Waldemar," said the young king, suppressing his

indignation. "Would we be knights with honour, we must keep faith and

promise, even with these most impious murderers; and I have vowed to

God and to Our Lady to rule righteously. If, therefore, on behalf of

the crown, you have promised them safety, we must suffer them freely to

depart. But they shall first hear their doom; and, wherever they may

flee to, by the assistance of the righteous God, it will certainly

reach them. Read aloud the sentence," he added, hastily, "as it stands

in King Waldemar's law-book. If they have forfeited life and honour, so

shall we adjudge."

"No punishment seems to me too severe for so heinous a crime," observed

the duke, sternly. "But it may assume a different aspect when viewed

from another point; and, therefore, before any just and impartial

sentence can be pronounced, the Dane-court should hear what the accused

have to advance in their defence, and what others, skilled in the laws,

can state to guide us. Let the accused advance. The king and the people

will hear their defence."

Count Jacob and Arved Bengtson moved not; but Jacob Blaafod, who was

celebrated for his eloquence, approached the throne, while the blood

again mounted to his sun-burnt cheeks. Having bowed on every side with

knightly grace, he began his defence, and immediately quelled the

murmurs of the assembly by a short but flattering exordium, in which he

extolled the justice of the Danish laws, and the love of freedom and

magnanimity of the people. He then frankly admitted the truth of the

accusation, but represented the murder of the king as a bold and heroic

action, as a great sacrifice to the freedom of the nation, and as

altogether a just and lawful deed. He recounted all the violations of

his contracts, and of the charters of the kingdom, perpetrated by the

late king, by which, he affirmed, he had forfeited his crown, and

placed himself on a level with every knight and nobleman in the

kingdom, each of whom could defend his own honour and integrity against

any of his peers, without being guilty of lese-majesty. He then

proceeded to expose, in bitter language, the deep injustice which had

been suffered by the chief noblemen in the kingdom; especially

depicting, in the strongest colour, the crime perpetrated by King Erik

Christopherson against Marsk Stig and his wife, with its heartrending

results; and concluded by demanding of the king and the people, in the

name of Danish justice, honour, and freedom, that the country's

greatest general, the famed Marsk Stig, with his injured friends and

kinsmen, should be acquitted of all guilt, and restored to their

honours and dignities, which they had never lawfully forfeited.

His words made a deep impression, and no inconsiderable number of

voices were raised in favour of the accused.

The queen had veiled her face; and the youthful Erik, in spite of his

grief and indignation, could not avoid blushing at the shame of his

unhappy father, whilst the tears stood in his eyes.

"Speak, Drost Peter, speak!" he cried: "is it not enough that they have

murdered my father? Must I also sit on Denmark's throne, and hear them

mock and insult his memory?"

At this heartrending appeal Drost Peter advanced. He exhibited great

emotion, and some time elapsed before he could command his voice. "In

what our murdered lord and king has here offended," he began, "he has

gone to his account before the King of kings. May the Almighty Judge be

merciful to him, and all of us! They are not men, but monsters, who

demand that his son and his bereaved subjects should justify his

actions and defend his fame in the presence of his murderers. It is not

as the man Erik Christopherson that he is here in question; but as

Denmark's king, as the wearer of Denmark's crown, whose inviolable

majesty and sacredness have been profaned by bloody and audacious

hands: it is the crime against the anointed ruler of the people and of

the kingdom we are here to judge."

Without reference to the king's personality, he then pourtrayed the

regicidal crime in language so strong and glowing, that the murderers

themselves were abashed, and many of those who most severely censured

the deceased king, and who had just been loudest in their applause of

Jacob Blaafod's speech, turned away their eyes with horror from the men

of blood. The eloquent drost then proceeded to recapitulate some of the

most beneficial measures adopted by his late master; and specially

pointed out how much that ancient and loyal city owed to his favour and

clemency. He further instanced numerous benefits which the rebellious

noblemen themselves had received from the late king, whom they had

basely and ungratefully murdered, and succeeded in touching the hearts

of the whole assembly, and in entirely obliterating the impression

produced by the address of the regicide. He availed himself, finally,

of this favourable disposition, to unfold the dangerous position of the

country, and, with impassioned eloquence, charged them to sustain not

only the majesty and sacredness of the throne, but the dignity and

freedom of the people, by tearing the mask from the face of every

secret traitor who had participated, directly or otherwise, in this

rebellions and audacious crime. His eyes sparkling with animation, he

then suddenly turned to the duke, as the man bound to the royal house

by the holiest ties of consanguinity, and demanded of him, in the name

of the people, by virtue of his new dignity, first to pronounce

sentence on the guilty, for subsequent confirmation by the estates.

The drost paused; and although the duke had changed colour, he quickly

rose at this appeal, and, bowing respectfully to the queen, modestly

yielded to her the prerogative of pronouncing whatever sentence she and

the council of the kingdom regarded as just and lawful.

"Be it so!" exclaimed the queen, unveiling her face as she rose with an

air of calmness and decision. "I shall, then, be the first to declare

what the council of the kingdom and myself think just and legal--what

must have been already pronounced in the heart of every Dane, if God's

holy law dwell there:--According to every law, both human and divine,

an ignominious death is due to murderous traitors. Therefore, for the

security of the crown and kingdom, let not mercy restrain the arm of

justice!"

"Whoever has any legal objections to offer, can do so now," said the

duke, as he directed his eyes towards Dean Grand, who apparently was

only waiting this summons to step forward.

"In the name of truth and justice, then, I demand to be heard," cried

the authoritative dean, as he advanced with an open book in his hand.

"Here is the point of law on which alone the accused can be condemned,

if, as I maintain they should, they be not with right and justice

acquitted of all guilt. If the murder had been perpetrated in God's

holy house, or on the property of the victim himself, the sentence of

death would be a legal one; but as this was certainly not so in this

instance, the accused, at worst, can only be adjudged outlaws, and have

their estates forfeited to the king's exchequer. If the law is to

prevail here, and not the unrighteous passion of revenge, no severer

sentence than this can be pronounced."

On this bold assertion, which had found favour with many, a warm debate

arose, in which the duke, with a flattering and not ineffective

reference to the great privileges of the people and of the states, and

to the violation of charters and engagements, declared himself in

favour of this milder interpretation of the law.

Drost Peter opposed him warmly; but Sir John, to his great astonishment

and that of the young king, strenuously maintained that, in accordance

with the strict letter of the law, they could not come nearer the

criminals. Outlawry, however, he continued, was a punishment which

could not be regarded as trivial; for it implied no less than civil

death, constant peril of life, and exclusion from every social or human

privilege within the bounds of Denmark.

The words of the aged counsellor carried great weight with them. Drost

Peter, and the other faithful friends of the royal house, quickly

perceived that, for some new but sufficient reason, this wise statesman

now defended an opinion he had himself opposed in the council a few

days before. No further opposition, therefore, was offered to the

milder sentence on the criminals; the queen and the young king

declaring themselves satisfied with it, since it was considered just

and legal by so many able and upright men.

The sentence of outlawry on the regicides was then formally drawn up,

and immediately subscribed and sealed by the king and both protectors,

as well as by those chosen for that purpose from the estates; after

which, it was read aloud by the drost before the assembled Dane-court.

Under a strong guard, the three knights were then conducted to the

beach, where they were put on board a boat, with some provisions, and

thus enabled to escape the enraged populace, against which no convoy

could any longer protect them.

This important business being thus concluded, the Margrave Otto of

Brandenburg advanced, and, having bowed respectfully to royalty, turned

to the assembled knighthood, and said:--"My royal nephew, King Erik

Erikson of Denmark, has honoured me by requesting to receive, at this

Dane-court, the stroke of knighthood from my hand. A king's son, who

has borne the name of king almost from his cradle, may already be

regarded as exalted by his birth and position over every meaner

dignity. It is commendable, however, in kings and princes, that they do

not despise the rank of knighthood, but are generally desirous of being

invested with that honour before they are anointed and crowned as

sovereigns over their knights and princely vassals. I dispense,

therefore, in the case of my royal nephew, with the customary probation

which the dignity of the order otherwise requires."

He then turned to the young king, and continued, in a tone of

solemnity:--"I now demand, King Erik Erikson of Denmark, before thy

loyal people and in presence of the Danish knighthood, in what respect

thou desirest to be admitted into our order? Wilt thou promise and

swear to defend the holy Christian faith and the honours of

knighthood?"

The young king arose and uncovered his head. His cheeks glowed, and his

dark blue eyes sparkled with youthful pleasure and animation.

"Yea!" he exclaimed, "I will, so help me all holy men! God and Our Holy

Lady know my heart's wish and my intention. I desire the stroke of

knighthood from thy hand, my dear uncle, that I may be anointed and

crowned King of Denmark with honour, and to show my loving people, and

all men, that not only shall I be a good and upright king, but also a

knight without reproach, that I may not disgrace the crown of Denmark

and of the great Waldemars. That which a squire should understand,

before he can wear the golden spurs, my dear weapon-master, Drost Peter

Hessel, has already taught me, which I will prove at the first

tournament. The laws of chivalry I have learned as the holy text; and I

swear, by St. George and the Holy Virgin, that I shall maintain them

while I live."

He paused an instant to collect himself; and then continued, with much

ardour:--"I will not live careless, but will defend my people, and pour

out my blood for the true and holy Church, which I know is the head,

whilst the knighthood is the arm, to defend the whole body; and that

also shall I strive to do. I will protect the widow, the fatherless,

and the needy; I will be the defender of all pure and virtuous ladies;

I will be just, valiant, generous, honest, and chaste; I will honour

God with all humility, and be truthful and faithful to my word; I will

practise the seven virtues of knighthood, and eschew the seven mortal

sins, with the assistance of God and the Holy Virgin."

When the youthful king had sworn, as his profession of faith, this

epitome of the laws of chivalry, which he seemed to know by heart, he

descended from the throne to receive the symbols and accoutrements of

knighthood, with which, according to his wish and the usual custom, he

was to be invested by the most eminent men of the kingdom, and the most

attached friends of the royal house. Drost Peter bound the golden spurs

upon his heels, and with tender interest and heartfelt pleasure

reminded him of their signification. Old Sir John, with a short and

energetic encouragement to manliness and goodness, equipped him in a

cuirass of light mail. Count Gerhard, who had requested the charge of

binding on his wambraces, did so in his usual gay manner, wishing the

son of the noble Queen Agnes success, strength, and victory in every

undertaking.

At length the queen herself arose to present him with the glittering

gauntlets, and to gird him with the golden sword, which the heralds

brought forward. Having first carried the crossed hilt of the weapon

reverently to her lips, she girt her son with the gold-embroidered

sword-belt, on which was wrought, by her own hands, a lily, a balance,

and a heart, as emblems of purity, justice, and Christian charity; and

then, kissing him affectionately on the forehead, she exhorted him

never to forget its meaning.

The queen having resumed her seat, and the knights their places, the

youthful king knelt down, while Margrave Otto, kissing the hilt of his

drawn sword, solemnly said--"King Erik Erikson of Denmark, in the name

of God, Our Holy Lady, and St. George, I dub you a knight. Be bold,

courageous, and true!"

A flourish of trumpets followed, while the margrave, with the flat of

his sword, touched the noviciate three times on the shoulder.

Tears stood in the eyes of the newly-created knight, whilst he rose and

folded his hands, as if engaged in silent prayer. He then received from

the margrave a bright gilded helmet, with a large plume of feathers,

which caused his eyes to sparkle with pleasure as he placed it on his

golden locks. Finally, the margrave presented him with a golden lance,

and hung on the wambrace of his left arm a splendid shield, bearing the

same device which he had chosen for his first juvenile buckler.

His friend and playmate, Aagé Jonsen, had meanwhile led forth a proud

milk-white tourney-steed, caparisoned in shining armour, with a lofty

plume of feathers on his head. The youthful knight instantly vaulted

into the saddle, without the aid of the stirrups, and then proceeded to

caracol his steed, poise his lance, and exhibit himself in all the pomp

of knighthood before the people, who received his graceful and

condescending salutations with enthusiastic shouts of rejoicing. Thrice

did he thus make the circle of the Dane-court, whilst the air resounded

with the braying of trumpets and the loud acclamations of the people.

Even the gravest among the knights seemed pleased at the dexterity and

address with which the youthful rider managed his steed; and, although,

as old Sir John turned towards Drost Peter, a quiet smile at this

exhibition played about his lips, yet the delighted shouts of the

people, and the general animation excited by the presence of the

youthful monarch, much affected him, and hastily passing his hands

across his eyes, he heartily joined in the people's shout--"God bless

our young king!"

Without being impeded by his armour and weapons, young Erik now sprang

from his steed with as much agility as he had mounted it, and ordering

his squire to lead it off, returned calmly and with dignity to the

throne.

During these ceremonies the duke remained silent and absorbed in

reflection. Drost Peter, however, had closely observed him; and the

ill-concealed scorn which he read in his countenance only too strongly

reminded him that it was not yet time for rejoicings and gladness in

Denmark.

King Erik then arose, somewhat out of breath with his violent exercise,

and addressing the duke, said--"As I am now myself a knight, and have a

right to confer the stroke of knighthood on whom I choose, my princely

kinsman and guardian, Duke Waldemar of South Jutland, shall be the

first who receives it from my hand."

The duke rose hastily. He seemed taken by surprise, and his proud mien

betrayed that the proposed honour annoyed more than it flattered him.

Drost Peter imagined he saw in his constrained smile, an angry feeling

of wounded pride, that he should now, in presence of the nation, be

obliged to kneel before the youthful king, even to receive a dignity

with which he had long anxiously desired to be invested.

The wily duke, however, seemed solicitous to conceal this from himself

as well as from the knighthood, and, in a tone of easy dignity, he

thanked the king for this gracious mark of distinction. He then knelt

before the throne, whilst King Erik pronounced the customary form, and,

amidst a nourish of trumpets, let fall three times his golden sword on

the shoulder of the duke.

"Be a knight without reproach," he added: "be, as the laws of chivalry

command, full of burning zeal for the general good, for the kingdom's

weal, for the knighthood's honour, for the people's unity and

prosperity, and for the welfare of your lawful king. God, Our Holy

Lady, and St. George grant you strength and aid thereto!"

From the lips of the youthful king, this admonition, in which he

fancied he could trace the influence of Drost Peter, did not at all

please the proud, ambitious duke; although he went through the

customary forms with a polite bearing. When he had received his new

arms, he leaped upon his tourney-steed, and exhibited himself to the

people with much princely dignity and knightly skill. At a prancing

gallop he cast his lance aloft and caught it again, at the same time

saluting the people gracefully and mildly. The applause he coveted was

freely bestowed on him; but he seemed especially gratified when, after

he had dismounted, he received the congratulations of the knights and

of the royal family.

Thus terminated the Dane-court and its grave affairs, apparently to the

general satisfaction. The royal family, with the duke and the other

princes present, then returned to the palace, where the king presented

rich gifts to the duke, to the Margrave Otto, Count Gerhard, and the

Danish knights. Chargers, gold bridles, magnificent mantles, and arms

were freely distributed; and all who had participated in the

ceremonials received some handsome memorial of the day and of the

king's munificence. Neither was Aagé Jonsen forgotten: his royal master

presented him with a gilded sword, set with jewels, and bearing as an

inscription--"The king's defence." For his fidelity to the murdered

king, Erik would fain have given his youthful playmate the stroke of

knighthood; but the exception which had been made in his own favour

could not, from respect to those of riper years, be extended to any of

lower degree, not even to Junker Christopherson, who appeared to

consider himself as worthy of being a knight and king as was his

brother.

This important election to the regency of the kingdom, and the princely

promotion to the knighthood, were celebrated in the palace with

magnificent festivities, during which the duke scarcely for a moment

lost sight of the royal party, and outshone all present in knightly

bearing, and in refined and polished conversation.

The queen's present confidence in him, and her desire to compensate him

for the unworthy suspicions she formerly entertained, now led her to

agree with him in a conclusion altogether opposed to the wishes of the

council. The representations of the duke to herself and her brothers,

induced them to consider the juncture too serious for farther

festivities; and, to look carefully to the security of the royal house,

they unanimously determined that, instead of carrying the young king to

Zealand, there to receive the homage of the people, and from thence to

be crowned at Lund, they should immediately carry him back to the

strong castle of Viborg, and defer the journey to Zealand and Scania,

so long as Marsk Stig, with the outlaws and Norse rovers, rendered the

Belt and Sound unsafe. This determination the queen, in the presence of

the duke, announced to Sir John and Drost Peter during the evening, in

a tone so decided as to restrain every objection.

Drost Peter was much alarmed, for he saw in this a new attempt on the

part of the duke to draw the royal personages within his own and the

outlaws' power, whilst, by his cunning, he would perhaps succeed in

deferring the act of homage, and delaying the coronation until he could

himself unlawfully seize upon the kingdom. Drost Peter burned with

impatience boldly and openly to unmask the mighty traitor, and testify

to what he knew of the true reason of his absence from the Dane-court;

but on a stern look of warning from Sir John, he restrained himself,

and was silent. The journey to Viborg was, therefore, fixed for the

next morning, and the company separated.

It was late in the evening. The servants of the palace were busily

engaged with the requisite preparations for the journey, the din of

which was heard in the castle-court. The duke and his retinue had

withdrawn to their own apartments; but it was observed that some of his

followers had left the castle, and hastily taken the road to

Middelfert. The young king had retired, and the Margraves of

Brandenburg had just left the queen in her private apartment. She had

taken a farewell of her brothers, who, that very night, were to leave

Denmark for the court of the Emperor Rudolph, to induce him to declare

the Danish regicides outlaws in Germany. This reason for their sudden

journey, they had, however, confided only to the queen.

The beautiful young widow sat, her cheek resting on her hand, at a

table of black marble, on which stood two wax-lights. She wore her

mourning attire; and, as her dark head-dress was cast aside, her rich

brown hair hung in tresses over her arms, and fell upon the marble

slab. Her fair white fingers were engaged in turning over the leaves of

a beautiful little manuscript volume, the pages of which she frequently

crossed and marked with a silver needle. In this book she had, in her

lonely hours, poured out her heart with honest self-acknowledgment, and

with her own hand had recorded every remarkable circumstance of her

life. There stood yet the fair delightful dreams of her childhood, like

half-vanished memories of Paradise. They were, however, soon followed

by her humiliating espousals. Her early betrothment to King Erik

Christopherson had been one of the conditions of his release from

Nordborg Castle, after he was taken prisoner in the war with Duke

Waldemar's father. The record of this, her alienation to another, was

but incoherently set down, and it seemed as if she had not yet

understood the proper connection of events; for, in incoherent words,

and in traces of tears, she saw the day recorded when, yet little more

then a child, she had, in blind duty and obedience, suffered herself to

be adorned as a royal bride, and become the unwitting victim of a cold

political consideration. Of her wedded state, so void of love and

tenderness, there were many records; for at this point she appeared

first to become conscious of her dignity, and of the purpose of life.

In the midst of the great and glittering world she had often felt

herself alone and forsaken, although, with youthful energy, she had

availed herself of her lofty position to occupy her thoughts with

benevolence, and diffuse peace and joy around her. It was granted her

to seem fortunate; and whatever success followed her efforts to

suppress the dangerous voice of rebellion, which threatened the king

and kingdom with ruin, was due as much to her personal influence as to

the exalted splendour of the crown.

The kindly interest she felt in Drost Peter was the first bright spot

in this dark portion of her inner life. His brave chivalrous spirit,

and the homage he rendered her, had been grateful to her womanly

nature; while with prudence and delicacy she had concealed, beneath the

imposing cloak of majesty, every feeling of her heart's desolateness.

As she continued turning over the leaves of this her life's-book, the

past flitted by her like a dream. At the lively description of the

tournament at Helsingborg, she found first mentioned the name of Count

Gerhard, with a witty remark on the awkwardness of his homage, but also

with expressions of esteem and interest. A few pages farther she saw a

bitter memorial of the injurious rumour to which her interest in Drost

Peter had given birth, and a memorandum of her determination to avoid

for the future every appearance of familiarity with her faithful and

attached knight.

As she glanced over the account of the festival at Sir John's, and of

her dance with the wounded Count Gerhard, a slight blush crimsoned her

cheeks, and she felt that the bold, good-natured dancer had made a

greater impression upon her than she was, at that time, willing to

believe. The discreet and respectful attachment to her which had that

day beamed from his one honest eye, had, in her mind, invested him with

greater dignity. Her judgment both of him and of the accomplished Duke

Waldemar she now reviewed with much interest. To the duke she had given

the preference for his knightly bearing and polished manners; while she

had found him deficient in the truthfulness and bold sincerity that

enhanced the nobleness of Count Gerhard and rendered him so entirely

safe to be relied upon.

Having closed the manuscript, she remained some time in deep thought,

and was at length about to summon her ladies and retire to rest, when

she heard a gentle knocking at the private door of the apartment which

separated her closet from that of the youthful king, and which was

accessible to the royal family alone.

"Come in, my son," she said, as she turned towards the door, which was

then softly opened, and the trusty favourite squire, Aagé Jonsen,

stepped modestly over the threshold.

He remained respectfully at a distance, and, having made his

salutation, "Pardon my temerity, most gracious queen," he began, in a

low voice: "my master, the king, has commanded me to open this door, to

ascertain if your grace was present, and alone. He prays you, for most

important reasons, to grant him and the drost an audience here, without

witnesses."

"Drost Hessel!" ejaculated the queen, with astonishment--"here, and at

this hour? Impossible! What means this?"

"I know not, your grace," replied the grave little squire; "but I

conclude that it is on business of emergency and importance. The drost

did not pass through the guard-chamber, but entered by the subterranean

passage, in company with the tall lord from Kiel."

"Count Gerhard!" exclaimed the queen, as she hastily veiled her face.

"Is he, too, here? Has he, also, requested to speak with me?"

"That know I not, your grace. I kept watch by the inner door of the

king's chamber, and knew not there was any secret entrance until it was

opened, and both the gentlemen stood before me. The drost bade me awake

the king immediately. I obeyed, and they were both instantly admitted

to his chamber. Shortly afterwards he rung, and, while he attired

himself, commanded me to ascertain cautiously whether your grace was

alone here, and to deliver the request of which I have just informed

you."

"Well," answered the queen, "tell thy king and master that I await him,

and whomever else he may think it necessary to bring with him."

Aagé Jonsen bowed and retired; when the queen, who felt some anxiety,

arose, and opening a little gilded casket, which stood on the table,

concealed therein her journal. She then walked once or twice across the

apartment, but at length stopped opposite a large polished steel

mirror, in which she hastily arranged her fallen tresses. The secret

door was opened a moment after, and King Erik entered, leading Drost

Peter by the hand.

"Hear him, my mother!" exclaimed, with excitement, the little

king--"hear and read what the good drost and Count Gerhard have

discovered. The duke is false! he will entice us to ruin."

"Let not this disquiet you, noble queen," hastily observed Drost Peter,

as he saluted her. "The danger is not imminent; although, except on

high and important grounds, I should not have dared to approach you at

so undue an hour, and in this unusual manner. To-morrow would have been

too late. It is necessary, too, for your own and the king's security,

that you should thus be secretly apprised of it, as it would be

dangerous if the duke conceived the slightest suspicion that we had

discovered his daring plans."

"You astonish me, Drost Hessel!" exclaimed the queen, with undisguised

solicitude. "Have you certain proof of this, whatever it may be? or is

it but another of the learned chancellor's dreams? The duke must either

be the wiliest hypocrite under the sun, or he is the true and attached

friend of myself and the royal house."

"Read, then, your grace," replied Drost Peter, spreading before her the

parchment bearing Count Gerhard's seal: "every word that stands there

can be personally attested by the noble Count Gerhard, should you so

require his oath. He awaits your commands in the next apartment."

The queen seated herself, and hastily perused the evidence set forth

by Drost Peter to account for the duke's absence from the opening

of the Dane-Court. As she did so, she became pale, and, rising,

exclaimed--"Just Heaven! is, then, the fate of the kingdom and of the

royal house in the hands of such a traitor? And this you knew to-day,

Drost Hessel, and yet hesitated to tear the mask from the traitor, and

exhibit him to the scorn of the whole people!"

"God and my own heart know what it has cost me to be silent, noble

queen," replied the drost, laying his hand upon his breast. "But Sir

John was right: until Marsk Stig falls, the duke must stand. In his

present position he is constrained even to punish the outlaws; but the

moment he throws off the mask, he is our open foe--the head of the

outlaws, and the leader of the rebels."

"You are right," observed the queen, after a moment's reflection; "and

I now understand the complaisance of Sir John to-day. Great God! when

has a traitor stood unmolested so near the throne of Denmark? Let Count

Gerhard enter."

Drost Peter retired, and in a moment returned with Count Gerhard, who

remained by the door, bowing bashfully and awkwardly.

"Approach, noble count," said the queen, as she advanced with blushing

cheeks to meet him. "You have probably saved from destruction the

kingdom and royal house. But explain how you attained this information.

How did you divine the plans of the marsk, or suspect the duke of such

base knavishness?"

"I cannot boast my own penetration, most noble queen," replied Count

Gerhard, advancing with greater boldness--"that would ill become me. A

large portion of my sagacity in this matter I owe to a long-headed old

pilgrim whom I met in Rypen, and who seemed to know the world better

than the world knew him. I had already noted mischief, and a few hints

made me clear-eyed. With the subtle Duke Waldemar I may as little

contend in statecraft as in accomplishments and fine manners; but this

I dare aver, that when he thought he could reach the throne of Denmark

without lifting his hand, or losing the semblance of being a true

friend to the people and kingdom, he was willing to let the marsk

disturb his election to the regency here, and to bid farewell to the

honour and happiness of being the protector of your grace and of the

royal house. It may be only my poor opinion, your grace," he added,

with some embarrassment, "but that the duke carries a fox on his

shield, is certain: indeed, he seems even to entertain the boldest

hopes of your grace's sympathy and confidence."

The queen started, while the count continued:--

"I regret that I have no better proofs of this than my own word and

sword, and the evidence of my trusty jester. But that many of the

marsk's adherents were stopped by me on their way to the Dane-court, is

beyond doubt; and that the duke was really in Sleswick on the first day

of the Dane-court, he has himself taken care to furnish the best proof.

With what view he was there, and whether there really would have been a

tumult here, had they not perceived danger, cannot now be further

demonstrated. My entire services to your grace and to the royal house,

most noble queen, are thus but of small avail; and however beneficial

to the crown and country they may appear, I have only given you

probable grounds for guarding yourself and the young king against the

counsels of the duke."

"For this important warning accept my heartiest thanks, noble count,"

replied the queen, as she extended her hand, which, while he bent

before her, he pressed to his lips with concealed ardour.

Having quickly resumed his former respectful demeanour, he

continued:--"I regret that what I and so poor a statesman as my late

jester have brought to light, must, for the present, remain a secret,

noble queen. At a Retter-Ting, where it can only be fought with words,

I am of little service; but I would have willingly proved with my good

sword, in honest combat with the duke, before the whole knighthood,

that he is a nidding and a traitor, had not your trusty counsellors

convinced me that I should thereby only expose your grace and the

kingdom to the greatest danger. Indeed, I now see clearly that, for the

present, it imports much to be at peace with him; and therefore he

shall have peace from me, until a future time. But permit me, noble

queen, henceforth to join the ranks of your own and the young king's

bodyguard, and grant that the protection of your royal person may also

form a portion of my duty."

"I choose you for my knight and protector, brave Count Gerhard,"

replied the queen, in a cordial tone; "and, as a pledge, accept this

remembrance of my bereaved and sorrowful position by the throne of

Denmark."

As she spoke, she untied her black veil, which she handed to him;

whilst he, kneeling in knightly fashion, pressed the pledge of

confidence to his lips, and then concealed it in his bosom.

"My colour was formerly crimson," added the queen, in a sorrowful

accent, as she looked mildly towards Drost Peter. "This faithful friend

to the royal house once wore it, as you doubtless remember; but no good

fortune attended it. It was, moreover, borrowed, and, in truth, did not

become me. I then determined that no man should wear it with my

consent. The colour of night and disappointment has now become mine, as

it has become that of Denmark. If its sight inspires you not with pain,

Count Gerhard, as mine and the country's faithful friend wear it until

morning again breaks on Denmark."

Count Gerhard, who had again risen, felt more intoxicated with joy than

he had ever been before.

"As long as God permits me to live in this fair world," he exclaimed,

while a tear glistened in his eye, "so long at least, noble queen, I

will think only of showing myself worthy of your confidence, and of

being, from my heart's core, a faithful friend to your grace and to the

Danish kingdom. For your sake, so I promised long ago to this your

brave knight;" adding, as he seized the hand of Drost Peter--"he still

wears the rosy red in secret; but now I fight not with him concerning

it, for I know it is Lady Ingé's gage and hairband."

A blush suffused the cheeks of Drost Peter, and the queen also seemed

perplexed by the indiscreetness of the plain-spoken count.

"True--this is another matter," hastily added the latter, as he

observed the embarrassment he had caused: "it was perhaps a secret,

respecting which I should have been silent; but this is what I would

say, most noble queen, that, next to myself, you have not a more

sincere admirer in the world than is Drost Hessel. We two shall now

contend in earnest for the privilege of permanently wearing your

colour. It imports not to me whether it is black or red, since it is

your's; but this I know, that if there exists in the world one who can

restore to your mind that joy and happiness you were surely born to

possess, I would gladly give my only remaining eye to be that one; and

then, although I could never more see your fair face and lovely form, I

should still feel happy in knowing that you were pleased with the blind

Count Gerhard."

The cordial sincerity with which he uttered these words, caused the

queen and Drost Peter to overlook their want of delicacy and propriety.

It was evident, however, from the manner of the queen, that she desired

to terminate this extraordinary visit, and the direction the

conversation had taken. Young Erik, too, who had been listening

attentively, seemed to think that the count's speech had nothing to do

with the dangerous business that had brought them thither.

"Let this subject be ended, Count Gerhard!" he exclaimed, impatiently.

"My mother will be happy enough again when we have taken measures

against the faithlessness of the duke, and restored the kingdom to

security. We shall not set out to-morrow for Viborg: his traitor-army

is there encamped, you say. If I am to be King of Denmark, I will be

anointed and crowned forthwith. If it is the will of Providence that I

should be betrayed and murdered, as my father and grandfather were, I

shall die a lawful king, and it shall not be well for the traitors who

dare to lay hands upon the Lord's anointed, young as he may be."

"Thy will shall be done, my son," replied the queen, patting his

glowing cheeks. "Thy wish was also Sir John's, and that of the whole

council, before, in my blindness, I mistook the smooth words of the

duke for sincere attachment. To-morrow we shall set out, not for

Viborg, but for Skielskioer; and, when thou art proclaimed in Zealand,

we shall proceed to the coronation at Lund. But let me advise. The

duke, as my most courteous knight, shall accompany us. He must not

perceive the slightest symptom of distrust on our part. To you,

gentlemen, I confide our security on the way."

"Yes--let it be so!" cried the young king, joyfully. "The Almighty, and

Our dear Holy Lady, will assuredly protect us. Good night, my dear

mother. You can now sleep securely, for Sir John is stationed in the

guard-chamber, and these trusty gentlemen will remain tonight in the

palace."

"God keep his hand over thee, my son!" exclaimed the queen, as she

fondly kissed his smooth forehead. "Thank Heaven, with me, for having

preserved to us these devoted and faithful friends in our hour of need

and danger."

With queenlike dignity she then bowed to the two knights, who, with the

young king, retired through the same private door by which they had

entered.

* * *

At early morning of the following day, the queen's travelling-car, with

six milk-white steeds attached, stood before the castle-steps, attended

by many smartly dressed outriders and grooms. More than thirty squires

were grouped about, with their masters' horses in charge; foremost

among whom was conspicuous, by his gray suit, emblazoned with the

Sleswick lions, the attendant of the duke, who, with great ostentation,

was allowing his master's noble steed, covered with splendid trappings,

to prance and gambol about. Near him stood Daddy Longlegs, bearing

Count Gerhard's simple shield, in the shape of a nettle-leaf, and

holding a strong brown stallion by the bridle. Skirmen, carrying Drost

Peter's mantle and shield, stood by his master's horse, apparently lost

in contemplating the faces of the ducal lions, which resembled wolves

more than the animals they were intended to represent. As he turned

with his impatient charger in the direction of the Strand-gate, he was

delighted to observe a great bustle among the ferrymen, and to see the

royal flag carried from the house of the alderman.

"We are off for Melfert, and then for Jutland," observed Longlegs to

him. "I thought, however, your master had a keener nose."

"You might wish your's were half as keen, Longlegs," replied Skirmen;

"and then, perhaps, you would not allow your master's horse to turn his

tail in the direction he is to ride."

"But I know that people do not ride or drive over the Great Belt in the

month of May," returned the old jester. "It might be quite as well,

however, while the wind sits in this quarter."

"What mean you, Longlegs? The wind is in the right quarter for the

Great Belt."

"Ay, but not for the Little. The boatmen say it is the duke's wind; and

when we have that against us, a sagacious nose, like that of your

master, should smell the straw from the barn of Finnerup."

"Turn the car and horses!" ordered Drost Peter, who suddenly appeared

at the top of the steps: "the royal family ride to the haven."