XVIII
FRIENDS IN NEED
Meantime, the other boys were listening to Peter's account of an incident which had long ago occurred[22] in a part of the city where stood an ancient castle, whose lord had tyrannized over the burghers of the town to such an extent, that they surrounded his castle, and laid siege to it. Just at the last extremity, when the haughty lord felt that he could hold out no longer, and was preparing to sell his life as dearly as possible, his lady appeared on the ramparts, and offered to surrender everything, provided she was permitted to bring out, and retain, as much of her most precious household goods as she could carry upon her back. The promise was given—and forth came the lady from the gateway bearing her husband upon her shoulders. The burghers' pledge preserved him from the fury of the troops, but left them free to wreak their vengeance upon the castle.
"Do you believe that story, Captain Peter?" asked Carl, in an incredulous tone.
"Of course, I do; it is historical. Why should I doubt it?"
"Simply because no woman could do it—and, if she could, she wouldn't. That is my opinion."
"And I believe there are many who would.—That is, to save any one they really cared for," said Ludwig.
Jacob, who in spite of his fat and sleepiness, was of rather a sentimental turn, had listened with deep interest.
"That is right, little fellow," he said, nodding his head approvingly. "I believe every word of it. I shall never marry a woman who would not be glad to do as much for me."