He soon met the party, which consisted of about ten men, with Rudolph Donnerhugel at their head. The figure of Philipson, covered with mud, and in some places stained with blood (for his fall in the dungeon had cost him a slight wound), attracted the wonder of every one, who crowded around to hear the news. Rudolph alone appeared unmoved. Like the visage on the ancient statues of Hercules, the physiognomy of the bulky Bernese was large and massive, having an air of indifferent and almost sullen composure, which did not change but in moments of the fiercest agitation. He listened without emotion to the breathless tale of Arthur Philipson, that his father was in prison, and adjudged to death. "And what else did you expect?" said the Bernese, coldly. "Were you not warned? It had been easy to have foreseen the misfortune, but it may be impossible to prevent it." "I own--I own," said Arthur, wringing his hands, "that you were wise, and that we were foolish.--But oh! do not think of our folly in the moment of our extremity! Be the gallant and generous champion which your Cantons proclaim you--give us your aid in this deadly strait!" "But how, or in what manner?" said Rudolph, still hesitating. "We have dismissed the Bâlese, who were willing to have given assistance, so much did your dutiful example weigh with us. We are now scarce above a score of men--how can you ask us to attack a garrison town, secured by fortifications, and where there are six times our number?" "You have friends within the fortifications," replied Arthur--"I am sure you have. Hark in your ear--The Black Priest sent to you--to you, Rudolph Donnerhugel of Berne--that he waits to give you his blessing at the northern sallyport." "Ay, doubtless," said Rudolph, shaking himself free of Arthur's attempt to engage him in private conference, and speaking so that all around might hear him, "there is little doubt on't; I will find a priest at the northern sallyport to confess and absolve me, and a block, axe, and headsman to strike my throat asunder when he has done. But I will scarce put the neck of my father's son into such risk. If they assassinate an English pedlar, who has never offended them, what will they do with the Bear of Berne, whose fangs and talons Archibald de Hagenbach has felt ere now?" Young Philipson at these words clasped his hands together, and held them up to heaven, as one who abandons hope, excepting thence. The tears started to his eyes, and, clenching his hands and setting his teeth, he turned his back abruptly upon the Swiss. "What means this passion?" said Rudolph. "Whither would you now?" "To rescue my father, or perish with him," said Arthur; and was about to run wildly back to La Ferette, when a strong but kindly grasp detained him. "Tarry a little till I tie my garter," said Sigismund Biederman, "and I will go with you, King Arthur." "You? oaf!" exclaimed Rudolph. "You?--and without orders?"