Even as Heinz spoke, Christina came panting into the room, and, hurrying to her son’s side, said, “Sir Count, is this just, is this honourable, thus to return my son’s welcome, in his helpless condition?”
“Mother, are you likewise distracted?” exclaimed Ebbo. “What is all this madness?”
“Alas, my son, it is no frenzy! There are armed men coming up the Eagle’s Stairs on the one hand and by the Gemsbock’s Pass on the other!”
“But not a hair of your head shall they hurt, lady,” said Heinz. “This fellow’s limbs shall be thrown to them over the battlements. On, Koppel!”
“Off, Koppel!” thundered Ebbo. “Would you brand me with shame for ever? Were he all the Schlangenwalds in one, he should go as freely as he came; but he is no more Schlangenwald than I am.”
“He has deceived you, my lord,” said Heinz. “My lady’s own letter to Schlangenwald was in his chamber. ’Tis a treacherous disguise.”
“Fool that thou art!” said Ebbo. “I know this gentleman well. I knew him at Ulm. Those who meet him here mean me no ill. Open the gates and receive them honourably! Mother, mother, trust me, all is well. I know what I am saying.”
The men looked one upon another. Christina wrung her hands, uncertain whether her son were not under some strange fatal deception.
“My lord has his fancies,” growled Koppel. “I’ll not be balked of my right of vengeance for his scruples! Will he swear that this fellow is what he calls himself?”
“I swear,” said Ebbo, slowly, “that he is a true loyal knight, well known to me.”