His countenance was of a ruddy colour, his hair sandy; he had pleasant blue eyes, a cheerful face, and the massive limbs of an athlete.
"Make way there!" he cried, twirling his tremendous club as if it had been a soldier's cane; "make way there for the Fräulein von Arnstein!"
A portion of the spectators, crying, "Room for the Fräulein von Arnstein!" hustled the soldiers, who, being pressed by Franz and Stephen, sullenly began to give ground.
The movement was very slow, and we had not made much progress when a young man rode into the courtyard, and was received with round after round of cheering.
He was dressed in civilian costume, but wore in addition a broad red sash and a red cockade in his hat.
Who or what he was I did not know, but he was plainly a person of importance amongst the rebels.
At sight of our companion his face expressed the broadest astonishment, and leaping to the ground he advanced quickly towards her.
Speaking in a soft, silky voice and using polished, well-turned phrases, he expressed his regret at the conduct of the Nationals, and offered to accompany her home.
"You will encounter neither danger nor insult while with me," he concluded smilingly.
The girl looked at him in genuine scorn.