Chicago, July 1, 1906. Contents I. Return of the Crusaders 11 II. Frederick Ascends the Throne 21 III. The Italian Campaigns 33 IV. The Mayence Festival and Tournament 45 V. Life in the Castle 52 VI. The Third Crusade 61 VII. Conrad’s Victory in the Valley 73 VIII. Raymond’s Heroic Ride 86 IX. Conrad’s Death 100 X. Capture of the Brothers 112 XI. The Brothers’ Ordeal 126 XII. The Emperor to the Rescue 138 XIII. Barbarossa’s Victory and Death 153 Appendix 167 Illustrations The Return of the Crusaders _Frontispiece_ Raymond’s Ride 92 The Test 132 Redbeard and the Lion 156 Barbarossa Chapter I Return of the Crusaders