Truchses von Waldburg at length addressed him. "It has been reported to us that you have been brought up at the high school in Tübingen; is it so?"
"Yes, sir knight," answered Albert.
"Are you well acquainted with the neighbourhood of Tübingen?" continued the other.
Albert blushed when this question was put to him. He thought of his love, who was now at Lichtenstein, only a few hours (stunden) distant from the university. But he answered composedly, "I have not hunted much in that neighbourhood; neither have I made many excursions there; but I am generally acquainted with its locality."
"We have determined," said Truchses, "to send a confidential person into that neighbourhood to find out what may be the Duke's intentions upon our approach, and to gain correct information upon the state of the fortifications of the castle of Tübingen, together with the feeling of the people of the surrounding country. Such a person, by prudence and sagacity, may do more harm to the Duke's cause than a hundred horsemen: we have selected you for this service."
"Me!" cried Albert, in horror.
"You, Albert von Sturmfeder: dexterity and experience are no doubt requisite in such undertakings: but you must look to that; whatever is wanting on your part, in the execution of this piece of service, your head will answer for."
The effect which this order produced on the young man was visibly depicted on his features. His face turned pale, his eyes became fixed, his lips firmly pressed together. The warning of Bertha flashed across his mind, and struck him with increased force; but, however favourable this opportunity might be to quit the service of the League, he was too much taken by surprise to be able to decide at that moment.
Truchses fidgeted about in his chair, showing evident symptoms of impatience at the young man's hesitation to give an answer: "Well," he cried, "will it come out soon? what are you thinking about so long?"
"Spare me this commission," said Albert, at length, but not without dread; "I cannot, I dare not undertake it."