THE RAPIER AND THE BROADSWORD.
Bruttig consisted of a row of houses facing the river, some few hundred
feet back from it. In the centre of the row, near the landing, which was
rudely paved with round stones, stood the inn, a sufficiently
forbidding-looking square structure, with an arched gateway in front,
apparently leading to a courtyard. The gates could be closed at night,
and doubtless were, so that, in a way, the inn might be successfully
defended from assault should necessity arise, as was often the case in
those troublous times.
The bewildering mixed jurisdiction of the place, governed as it was by
no less than three over-lords, the Count of Winneburg, the Archbishop of
Treves, and the Count of Beilstein, was shown by the different uniforms
of the men-at-arms who now, in groups or singly, watched the landing of
the party from the skiff.
The three Captains, who represented the three over-lords of Bruttig,
were lounging round the doorway of the inn, watching the landing of the
mysterious boatload. Such a frail craft coming down the Moselle was an
unusual sight, and naturally attracted the attention of the three
officers, who were, as a rule, excellent friends, except when a fight
was in progress, and some question of jurisdiction came up that had to
be argued on the spot with two-handed swords. They referred to each
other by the titles of their chiefs, each man, being spoken to by his
comrades as the Archbishop, Beilstein, or Winneburg.
"What have we here, Elector?" asked the Captain who commanded the forces
of Count Winneburg.
"That is for our comrade Beilstein to answer; this motley crew belongs
to him. You had the last boat-load to exact tribute from, and I the one
before. I am glad that it falls upon Beilstein to deal with women, for
such traffic befits not the Church," replied the Captain of Treves. The
Captain of Beilstein, a tall, powerful, swarthy man in full armour,
twirled his black moustache, which spread across his cheeks like a pair
of ravens' wings, and gazed down at the landing party.
"There is this to be said, they give us little trouble in bringing them
ashore, but are, apparently, about to walk confidently into the lion's
mouth," remarked Beilstein, "which seems to argue that they are
waterfowl, little worth the plucking."
"Rather that they know not whither they are bound," suggested the
Elector. "The young spark hands my lady from the boat with something of
an air about him that was not caught in trading booths, and the girl
stepped daintily out upon the cobbles in a manner that suggests the
Court. If she improves on closer inspection, Beilstein, you are in luck.
Would there were three women instead of two."
"They are sufficient as it is," said Winneburg, with a chuckle, "for the
Church has just disclaimed all desire for such merchandise."
"Ho, within there, Host," cried Beilstein, through the gateway. "Here
comes gentle custom for thine inn, and you are not by to welcome it."
In response to his call a short burly sullen-looking man, with bullet
head, came out and stood under the arch, looking at the group ascending
from the river, but as there was little pleasure in his gaze he probably
expected small profit from their approach.
Rodolph cast a rapid glance at the four men, bowed slightly to the three
officers, who took no notice of his salutation, and addressing the host,
said:
"This lady desires a room where she may rest unmolested after her
journey. Let such refreshment as you have be instantly prepared. The
lady will lunch in her room, and I will eat wherever pleases you. Send
as speedily as possible, food and wine to my servant, who remains with
my boat by the landing."
The host made no reply, but turned his lowering look upon the officers,
as if waiting for word from one or all of them.
"You hear his Lordship's commands, I hope," roared Beilstein, "the best
in the house for the lady and that without delay. The gentleman will
doubtless wish to remain here and make the acquaintance of three good
fellows."
The innkeeper, telling the Countess briefly to follow him, led the way
within. Rodolph was about to enter the court-yard, when the stalwart
Captain blocked his way, standing with feet set wide apart before him.
"Friend," began the Captain, genially, "we fall on turbulent times, when
each man is suspicious of his neighbour. You have little objection,
doubtless, to inform us who you are and why you travel."
"None at all," replied Rodolph. "I am a merchant of Frankfort; I
journeyed to Treves, transacted there my business and am now returning
to Frankfort by way of Coblentz."
"And the lady?"
"The lady is my sister. The two with us are our servants."
"You have little room in your craft for merchandise."
"We came to Treves on horseback by the Roman road, the merchandise
carried by mules. It is now sold and thus I return empty-handed."
"Not entirely empty-handed, I trust, for you must have received
something by way of honest recompense for honest merchandise. If you
sent your gold back to Frankfort by the way the goods came, and now
journey down the Moselle with barely enough to pay the innkeeper here
for what you have of him, that, I fear, will be looked on by the
virtuous barons as a slight upon their probity, and some may hold you to
ransom merely to show all future travellers that the noble river is not
to be thus lightly dealt with. But, as I before proclaimed to you, we
live in a suspicious time, and you, probably do not expect your bare
word to be taken regarding your quality. I need hardly ask you if there
is in your possession some slight document having reference to your
occupation."
"I have a passport, which I shall be pleased to exhibit on being assured
of the right of any questioner to demand it."
"I am Captain of the forces here, stationed to serve my Lord, the Count
of Beilstein, one of the three over-lords of Bruttig. By consent of my
two colleagues of Treves and Winneburg I am Captain of the Day,
responsible to my master and to them that no traitors come within our
precincts. If further warrant of my right to question is required, then
my good two-handed sword stands sponsor to me, dealing forth argument
that few care to controvert. Is it your pleasure that I call upon it to
set any doubts at rest concerning my authority?"
"Not so. The word of an officer is at all times sufficient for me. I
merely desired to know to whom I should have the honour of submitting
this document for inspection," saying which Rodolph handed to the
officer his passport, although it was evident a moment later that the
worthy man, brave soldier as he might be, could not read it. He turned
it over and over in his hand, then glanced at the Captain of the
Elector, who watched him with a smile.
"This seems in proper form," said Beilstein, shrugging his shoulders,
"but you soldiers of the Church are on terms of acquaintance with these
characters, which are denied to us who are more practised at arms than
with the pen. Construe for us the sheet, Elector." The Captain of the
Elector took the parchment and cast his eye over it.
"There is nothing here of a sister, merchant," he said, looking at
Rodolph.
"It is not customary in Frankfort," replied Rodolph, "to take much
account of our women. They come and go as they please, providing they
are accompanied by a relative or guardian who possesses a proper
passport."
"Frankfort customs hold not on the banks of the Moselle," said
Beilstein, menacingly.
"Did your sister enter and leave Treves under this passport?" asked the
Elector.
"Freely."
"Unquestioned?"
"Absolutely unquestioned."
"Did the Archbishop know of her presence?"
"She had the honour of appearing at the Archbishop's Court."
"Hum!" ejaculated the Captain of the Elector, doubtingly, lowering at
the polite stranger suspiciously from under his bushy eyebrows. "The
manners of his Lordship's Court must have changed since I knew aught of
them, if Arnold von Isenberg invites Frankfort merchants to his circle."
"We have the privilege of being vouched for by Baron Siegfried von
Brunfels, now in Treves. I may also add that although I engage in
traffic, there is no plebeian blood in my veins."
The Elector's Captain handed the passport back to Beilstein, saying in
an undertone, "I should not meddle with these people were I in your
stead. 'Tis likely what he says may be true."
"And what is that to me?" cried Beilstein, angrily. "Bruttig is not
under the jurisdiction of Arnold von Isenberg alone, nor will Winneburg
or Beilstein suffer sole jurisdiction to be claimed by him under any
pretence whatever. Speak I not true, Winneburg?"
"Aye," agreed Winneburg's Captain cordially, "and this party falls to
you by fair agreement previously made."
"I have put forward no claim to special jurisdiction," said the
Elector. "I gave a hint to a friend that it is ill meddling with any pet
of the Lion of Treves. You may act on it or not, as pleases you. I shall
not interfere unless the merchant here brings me written message from
Arnold von Isenberg. Have you any such, sir? If so, give it to me before
mistakes are made."
The trend of the discussion showed Rodolph that he was in danger of some
kind, which might require all his craft to avoid, for if it came to
blows he stood no chance whatever. He also realised that hope lay in
winning to his side the good will of the Archbishop's Captain, and, if
possible, in gaining some assurance of the neutrality of Winneburg's
man. He imagined, however, that he saw a disposition on the part of the
two local authorities to stand together against the Archbishop, and a
reluctance on the part of the Archbishop's delegate to force matters to
an issue. It was, all in all, a most difficult position.
"I have a message from the Archbishop to you, but it will please him
better if I am not compelled to deliver it. We are peaceful travellers
in his lordship's domains, and have a right to pass on our way without
hindrance."
The surly host at this moment came out and announced that the meal was
prepared. A lad passed through with a loaf and a measure of wine for
Conrad. Rodolph, bowing to the three officers, followed the host.
"What do you propose to do?" asked Winneburg.
"I can tell you better when I have had a glimpse of the maiden. If she
suits my fancy I shall have a broadsword bout with the brother, by way
of introducing myself amicably to the family."
"Not the best method, perhaps, of commending yourself to the lady,
whether victor or vanquished."
"The strong hand, Winneburg, is ever the surest, whether it grasps girl
or gold."
The officer of the Archbishop remained silent, while the other two
discussed the question. Something in the manner of Rodolph impressed him
with the belief that the young man spoke as one having authority, and he
knew that if a mistake were made, Arnold von Isenberg was one to punish
first and weigh excuses after. He knew that if he opposed Beilstein, or
even tendered advice, the obstinate officer would the more surely
persist in whatever course he had marked out for himself, so he resolved
to maintain silence and keep a watchful eye, governing his actions by
whatever might befall. With a scarcely perceptible signal to his
lieutenant, he conveyed a message to him that seemed to be instantly
understood, for the subordinate at once set himself quietly to the
gathering of his men, who grouped themselves round in an apparently
casual manner, and remained within call.
While Beilstein and Winneburg were conversing Rodolph reappeared, with
the Countess and her maid accompanying him. The sun had already begun to
decline far in the west, and the cloudless sky gave promise of a fine
summer evening. Beilstein strode forward.
"I have questioned your brother, my girl," he said, "and now, by your
leave, I would have a word or two with you. But first draw aside your
veil that we may all see whom we have had the pleasure of entertaining
in our poor town of Bruttig."
The Countess shrank timidly from him without speaking, and Rodolph at
once stepped between her and the officer.
"Sir," he said, gravely, "I have answered all your questions fairly and
fully. If you have more to ask, propound them, I beg of you, to me, and
I shall again reply until you are satisfied."
"Merchant," cried the officer, working himself into an anger, "your
passport makes no mention of this lady. I must therefore look upon her
face and judge if there is any sisterly likeness that may give colour
of truth to your words. Madame, remove your veil, and put me not to the
disagreeable duty of tearing it from your face."
"Is it possible, gentlemen," said Rodolph to the other two, "that a lady
is to be thus insulted in your presence, and am I to take it that we can
look for no protection from you?"
"It is none of my affair," said Winneburg, impartially.
"I can act only on the written authority of the Archbishop or on the
spoken word of a superior officer, whom I personally know," replied the
Archbishop's man, with a keen glance at Rodolph, which said as plainly
as words, "If you have such authority, in God's name, produce it."
Rodolph, turning to the Countess, whispered, "Slip away to the boat
while I hold this fellow in check. Get in and tell Conrad to push out
into mid-stream. Float down the river and if I do not overtake you along
the bank, hurry on alone to your journey's end."
"Sir," he said to the officer, "if you do not wish your own master to
curse your interference, you will allow me to go my way without further
question."
"Then you shall explain to my master who you are. Come back!" he cried
to the Countess, who was hurrying down the slope, and he would have
followed after her, but Rodolph, whipping out his slender rapier, stood
squarely in the way.
"Ho, there, men of Beilstein!" shouted the officer, "stop those women.
Tie me up that fellow at the boat, and cast the boat adrift. Now my fine
merchant you have at last found your toy weapon. Is it your purpose to
stand against me with that shivering reed?"
"I will do my best, if you insist on an encounter, which I beg of you
and your comrades to note I have tried my utmost to avoid. But in
fairness allow my sister to go, and wreak your vengeance on me alone.
When did you men of the Moselle begin to war on women?"
"The woman shall be the prize of the contest," said the officer,
confidently.
The other two looked on in amazement. The rapier was entirely unknown
throughout Germany and had only recently come into use in Italy, where
Rodolph, dwelling as he did, on the borders of that country, had learned
its deadly use. The giant swung his two-handed sword once or twice round
his head, and in a loud voice asked his antagonist if he were ready.
Rodolph answered nothing, but threw away his cloak, which he would have
used as an article of defence had he been opposed to one similarly armed
to himself, knowing that in this encounter he must depend on his agility
for his safety, and to the cumbrous nature of his opponent's blade, for
his chance of attack. The battle was over almost before the spectators
knew it had begun. Beilstein brought down an overhead swirl of his heavy
blade which would assuredly have annihilated any living thing it
encountered, but Rodolph sprang nimbly aside and when the blade struck
the earth he darted sharply forward, thrusting the thin rapier through
the officer's neck, the only unprotected vital part of his body,
springing back again out of arm's length in an instant. The giant strove
to raise his blade, but the effort caused a red jet of blood to leap
from his throat, and spatter down upon his breast-plate. Rodolph stood
apart, braced and alert, the sting of death held tense in his hand,
showing not a trace of blood on its shining, needle-like length. No
groan escaped the Captain, but a pallour overspread his swarthy face; he
swayed to and fro like a tottering oak, apparently upheld by his huge
sword, the point of which he had been unable to extricate from the
earth. Then he suddenly collapsed, and came, with a clash of armour, to
the ground.
The horrified lieutenant of Beilstein, seeing his master thus
unaccountably slain, at once raised the cry of "Beilstein."
"Up! men of Beilstein!" he roared. "Your master is murdered. Surround
his assassin and take him, dead or alive, to the castle. Beilstein!
Beilstein!"
"I ask your protection, gentlemen," appealed Rodolph, turning to the
remaining officers. "I claim adherence to the rule of the combat. I
fought reluctantly, and only by compulsion. I demand the right to go
without further opposition."
"Beilstein! Beilstein! Beilstein!" The cry reechoed through the town and
soldiers came running from all quarters with weapons drawn.
"He speaks truth," said the Elector's man. "He has won his liberty, and
may go for all I care."
"Not so," cried Winneburg. "It was no fair contest, but devil's
swordsplay. To the castle with him and his brood."
The angry soldiery now pressed round Rodolph, but took good care to keep
out of the reach of his flashing weapon.
"Get a pike," said one; "that will outreach him."
"Pikes, lances, pikes!" ran from mouth to mouth. Rodolph saw he must
speedily be overpowered, and a scream from the affrighted women in the
hands of the soldiery decided him to try a desperate remedy for a
desperate case.
He sprang upon the prostrate body of his foe, and towering over the
heads of the clamouring throng, raised his sword aloft and shouted, "The
Archbishop! The lady is the Countess Tekla, ward of Arnold von Isenburg,
insulted by these Moselle ruffians, while you cravens stand by and see
it done. Officer, you have already nearly compassed your own damnation.
Redeem yourself by instantly falling to the rescue. Treves! Treves! Is
there an Archbishop's man within hearing? Treves! Treves! Treves!"
The Archbishop's officer at once gave the word, and his men, beating
down opposition, formed around Rodolph and the Countess. Winneburg stood
undecided, and before he made up his mind, the fight was over, the
Beilstein men being demoralised for lack of a leader.
"You have entangled us in this affair," said the officer to Rodolph,
"and if you have cried the Archbishop's name unwarranted, your head is
likely to roll off in consequence. I have seen the Countess Tekla. Will
she, therefore unveil so that I may be sure I have not been deluded, or
do you prefer to wait until I hear from his Lordship?"
Before Rodolph could reply, the Countess threw back her veil.
"I am indeed, as you see, the Countess Tekla, ward of the Archbishop,"
she said.
"A fine watch you keep on the Moselle," cried Rodolph, with simulated
indignation, "when the Countess Tekla cannot journey to her guardian's
Castle of Cochem without having his Lordship insulted in her person by
unmannerly marauders at Bruttig, where he supposes he holds through you,
control and safe-conduct for all properly authenticated travellers!"
The officer bowed low to the Countess and to Rodolph.
"I crave your Lordship's indulgence and forgiveness. Had you but given
me the slightest hint of this I would have protected you."
"I gave you all the hint I could, but you paid little heed to it."
"I am deeply to blame, and I implore your intercession with my Lord the
Archbishop. I will myself, with a troop of horse, instantly escort you
to Cochem and see you safely bestowed there."
"All I ask of you is to secure our boat and let us depart as we came."
"Alas! the boat is gone, and is now most likely half-way to Cochem.
Shall I order you accommodation here until you can communicate with the
Archbishop?"
"No, we will at once to Cochem. Have you horses for the Countess and
myself and for our servants?"
"Yes, my Lord."
"Then we will set out on our journey as soon as they are ready."
The officer saluted, and departed to give his orders.
"What shall we do? oh, what shall we do?" asked the Countess, wringing
her hands.
"Do not be afraid," said Rodolph, with a confidence he did not himself
feel. "We will be so much the further from Treves and so much the nearer
to Thuron. We will ride side by side to Cochem, and then consult on what
is best to be done when we get there. Meanwhile, keep a firm command of
your agitation, and do not show fear. The officer has no suspicion, and
will do whatever I ask of him. They, perhaps, do not know yet of your
flight at Treves, and even if they did they cannot get here much before
this time to-morrow, and not then unless they come by boat. Have no
fear; I will, as I promised, see you safe in Thuron gate."
The Countess impulsively held out her hand, and gave a warm pressure to
the one extended to her.
"Forgive me," she whispered, "for my distrust of you last night. You are
a brave and true soldier."