"Yes! yes! naturally."
"Still, what he has done is unworthy of a knight, and I count upon your generosity not to make the father responsible for--"
"No; but your son's action will in some degree modify the conditions of your release. Excuse me for a moment. My friend Berthold will, during my absence, discharge the duties of host."
"With pleasure, Count," said Berthold; "I look upon it as an honor to entertain your prisoner."
Erwin mounted and rode over to the Imperial tent; for he wished to be alone for a short time. On his arrival, Gero announced that a Guelphic knight urgently desired to see him.
"You are not wounded, I trust, my lord?" said the squire, as he was taking off his armor.
"No!"
"It is a pity that your duel was prevented. But perhaps the Unknown has not come off scot-free, and indeed he may have been killed or captured, for we have taken prisoner a great many knights."
"That will do now, Gero; you may put away the armor and then leave me. I wish to be alone."
The squire obeyed without another word; for he had never seen his master so sorrowful and dispirited.