Michael Stumff, beaming like the sun, stood on the threshold of his house to catch a glimpse of the Sandwirth as he passed, vaunting much his familiarity with him to those who were willing to listen; and extolling his valour because it enhanced the honour of his acquaintance.
"Yes, yes," he repeated, wagging his head, "there's more in him than you'd think, for as homely as he looks. Why now, Chastelar,—we've had General Chastelar among us, though now, I'm sorry to hear, he has quitted the country,—and Hormayr—we've had Baron Hormayr among us too, of whose doings or misdoings at this present occasion, I suppose we shall shortly have his own account,—both of these have been counted noteworthy men,—to say nothing of our own Baron Taxis—but, to my mind, there's not a greater man among 'em all, in spite of his homely bearing, than my honest friend the Sandwirth. Ah, here he comes!—nay, not yet—How the bells are ringing! and yet there's such a din, clang, and confusion, they scarce can be heard. Here he comes, then!—yes, yes, the green jackets walking six or eight abreast—there's he, look you, neighbour!—there's my old ally the Sandwirth!—many a pot of beer have he and I shared together! And now, see you, he has a feather in his hat, and a sword at his side, and pistols in his belt. Hurra! hurra! I say, Sandwirth!—(Nod at him, Alouise—I'll catch his eye.) Hurra! hurra!—"
The churches received them. As many as could enter them, crowded the aisles; the rest hung about the doors. After victory and thanksgiving, naturally came feasting. Wounded men were more slowly brought into the city, and hospitably received; and numbers of escaped Tyrolese prisoners came panting back to their friends at intervals throughout the day.
The Bavarians had pretty well consumed the edibles of Innsbruck, but the damage was being repaired as fast as was possible by supplies from the country. Every house had its table spread with such things as came to hand, for the refreshment of all comers. At the inns and public rooms, dances were got up; and those who had fought overnight might now be seen cutting tremendous capers and taking wondrous leaps, with some fair partner of equal agility. But, flirting? none; the Tyrolese eminently cultivate decorum, and know how to be merry and wise. If you choose your partner, it is for the entire evening; and often proves to be your partner for life.
Late in the evening Baron Hormayr arrived at the Taxis Palace. His throat was very sore, and he was very hoarse, and not a little vexed at having had no share in the glory of the day. Flinging himself on a sofa, he desired Hofer might be instantly sought, found, and sent to him.
In due course, the Sandwirth presented himself.
"So here you are, Hofer!" cried the Baron, feverishly shaking up the cushion under his head.
"Here we are, baron—in Innsbruck—"
"Aye, aye, I suppose you are all mightily pleased. If I had not had the worst cold I ever had in my life, I should have been up with you—(Just ring for a tisane—) Regularly knocked up at Imst, my good fellow—could only dictate my orders in a whisper; and fretted to death at not being able to lead the attack at Scharnitz. Well, and so—O, you've got on Chastelar's sword and pistols, I see."
"The sword and pistols the general gave me, baron."