"She and her suite will join you a few miles from here. The roads are so insecure that your escort will be extremely valuable; but, like all unfortunates, she requests to be left as much as possible alone."
"I understand; but, before separating, can I not learn the name of him who seems to take so warm an interest in my welfare?"
"My name?" said the stranger, irresolutely. "Call me Antonio; the name is an humble one, but a thousand noble ancestors of immortal fame are not sufficient to make their descendant a man of honor."
They parted, and Erwin entered the palace, where he met Hellig.
"Ah!" said he to himself, "here comes the traitor, Dassel's tool."
"Count, I am directed to lead you to the Emperor."
Rechberg went to the Imperial chamber, and was informed by Barbarossa that he had chosen him to accompany the French Count to his home.
"Let all be in readiness," he said, "for to-morrow's journey."