"Count Erwin of Rechberg!--It is not possible!"
The other added a few words in a smothered voice, to which a curse was the reply. Then they separated, one of them moving towards the castle. Erwin determined to accost the Unknown. The stranger with surprise halted and laid his hand on his sword. Erwin looked at him attentively, but could distinguish nothing, except a pair of flashing eyes and a thick black beard.
"It is not my profession to interfere with honest people," he said, "but as you made use of my name, just now, I have the right to ask who you are and with what you reproach me."
"Who I am is of no importance to you, Count," answered the stranger; "and if you follow the teachings of your own conscience, I can reproach you with nothing."
"What do you mean? For whom do you take me?"
"For a frivolous youth, who forgets his promises too easily."
"Villain! withdraw this insult at once, or ----" And he put his hand to his sword-hilt.
"I have no intention of offending you," replied the Unknown, coolly; "do not draw your sword: not that I fear it, but because I have no wish to fight with a gentleman whose enemy I am not."
"Ah! and yet you do not hesitate to calumniate me!"
"Unpleasant truths are not calumnies. It is positive that you have broken your word, in a circumstance where it should have been held sacred."