They were shown into a room in the inn, already thronged with strangers. These were students on their way to Heidelberg.
They were sitting round a table, almost enveloped in smoke; and were hymning praises to their loved companion--beer.
As being in harmony with the moustaches, beard, and bandit propensities--which true bürschen delight to cultivate--they received the strangers with an unfriendly stare, and continued to vociferate their chorus.
Sir Henry, a little dismayed at the prospect before them, called for the landlord and his bill of fare; and had the pleasure of discovering, that the provisions had been consumed, and that two hours would elapse, before more could be procured.
At this announcement, Delmé looked somewhat blank. One of the students, observing this, approached, and apologising, in English, for their voracity, commenced conversing with the landlord, as to the best course to be pursued towards obtaining supper.
His comrades, seeing one of their number speaking with the travellers, threw off some part of their reserve, and made way for them at the table.
George and Henry accepted the proffered seats, although they declined joining the drinking party.
The students, however, did not appear at ease. As if to relieve their embarrassment, one of them addressed the young man, with whom Sir Henry had conversed.
"Carl! it is your turn now! if you have not a song, we must have an original story."
Carl at once complied, and related the following.