Martin did not wait to think the matter over, but rushed forward and took the girl's hand. Master Jock gave them his blessing and fifty ducats, and advised Martin to look well after his consort.
"Oh, I'll look after her," cried Martin, and he glanced defiantly in the direction of the gentlemen.
"Why, what's come to the old chap?" murmured the guests among themselves; "he has grown very virtuous all at once!"
Then there was another flourish of trumpets, the noble guests ascended into the castle, the peasants looked after their own pastimes, the youths and maidens played at blindman's-buff, kiss-in-the-ring, and other artless games, for the old men there was wine and spirits, and the old women had enough to do to talk of old and young alike.
On reaching the castle a fresh amusement awaited Master Jock. Bandi Kutyfalvi, whom every one had given up, had just leaped from his horse, and a few moments later they were in each other's arms.
"So it is only you, then!" cried the worthy old gentleman, involuntarily drying the tears from his eyes.
"Yes, but it is only by the merest chance that another whom you expect least of all has not arrived also."
"Who is that?" asked Master Jock, with a face beaming with joy.
"Come, guess now!"