THE ANIMATED WINE-CASKS.
Adalbert, from his castle of Saint Cross, disturbed by robbery the city of Trèves. The city swore vengeance.
A certain brave knight, named Sicco, offered to destroy both Adalbert and his castle by cunning. This offer was gladly accepted, and the clergy blessed the cunning knight.
* * *
On a very hot day, when all within the Saint Cross castle were dozing, a stranger appeared at the gate, and begged the warder to give him a cup of wine, as he had travelled far, being just arrived from Italy, and was on his way to his castle on the Moselle.
The refreshment was given him, and the grateful traveller requested the warder to tell his master that his kindness would not be unrewarded, as he was the owner of a fair vineyard, and when he arrived at home he would send him some casks of his best wine in return for his hospitality.
Before long a troop of peasants were seen approaching the castle, escorting several carts laden with casks, which, however, were filled with armed men instead of strong wine.
The warder challenged the procession, and Sicco, who was disguised as a peasant, said that they were sent by the pilgrim to whom Adalbert had been so hospitable, and who now forwarded them in conformity with his word.