"Thunder!" exclaimed Wido, "are not eight valiant Lombards a match for this German wild boar? Nozi, pass that strap under his left arm,--good!--now pull tight, comrade! Slip this one more to the right! Come, I think he is well tied up now--we will see whether he can break these triple knots. Be careful about the feet too, for you can never tell when these wild beasts are securely fastened!" "And now, I think we can let him wriggle, like a fish out of water." "Wretches, caitiffs, scoundrels!" cried Erwin. "Hold your tongue!" said one of the soldiers; "it won't untie you, and it is only a useless fatigue. Try to die quietly." "Is my life threatened?" "What a question! our master never spares any Germans who fall into his hands. It is a real pleasure for us to cut your throats!" "Who is your master?" "Ask him yourself!" "And the lady!--The villain!--let this bandit but dare to be wanting in respect!" "I suppose that you would leave your grave to twist his neck," sneered Wido. "But here comes our master himself, to give you every explanation which you may desire." The Unknown, at the same moment, came up, with his helmet closed; halting in front of Erwin, he stood with arms folded, as though deliberating on his fate. "Raise your visor, villain, and show me your bandit's face!" said Erwin, furiously. "It is unnecessary; I am a brave Lombard, who has sworn to free his country of German tyranny. That ought to suffice you." "And meanwhile you practise a truly Lombard profession,--robbers, assassins, and cheats, that you all are!" "Spare your words, and listen to me. I have no doubt that what I have done appears criminal, particularly in the eyes of the noble Count of Rechberg, for whom, in spite of the hatred which I bear his race, I still have a certain respect, on account of his generous sentiments. Without this consideration, I would have killed you immediately; for I am bound by a solemn oath to destroy the enemies of Italy, wherever I can meet them." "Very well; but is it the act of a brave man to attack a defenceless girl? Shame upon you!" "Silence!" said the Unknown, interrupting him. "I deliver the lady of Castellamare from the power of those who are unworthy to possess such a treasure! The thoughtlessness of youth, perhaps a feeling of gratitude induced her, in her father's absence, to leave the castle and visit the tyrant's court. The lady shall remain under my protection until I can restore her to that of her father." The Count stared at this man who, at all events, reassured him of Hermengarde's safety from all insult or danger. "But by what right do you interfere in the matter," he said.