Gero, after some trouble, managed to get his master on his feet, and then went to look for the horses. In the interval, Rechberg reflected upon the change which had taken place in his position, and which had seemingly blasted his hopes. It was all over, he thought; Hermengarde was in the power of one who seemed to have certain claims to her; but Gero's return put an end to his meditations.
"Decidedly, they were not robbers. I have found the horses where I left them," said the soldier; "and now I have tied them up close by, ready for us to mount when the hour is up."
"You say they were not robbers, Gero?"
"Well, not ordinary robbers; for if they had been, these gold rings on your baldric and your horses too, would have disappeared."
"Hasten, my good fellow, and cut these ropes at once; you would leave me a prisoner forever, it seems!"
"The hour is not quite up yet, Count; be patient a little while longer. Does the time really appear so wearisome?"
"Even if I would, it is impossible for me to pursue the bandit now. Do you not perceive how dark it grows?"
"Pray have a little patience, my dear lord. I am dreaming of your triumph of to-morrow; be assured that I will select the strongest lance and the best tempered coat-of-mail in your armory."
"You think, then, that he will meet me?"
"Most certainly; he has too proud an air to be a disloyal knight."