Thereupon the innkeeper proceeded to give a detailed report concerning the welfare of his friend and Walter. “And you, Captain,” he continued inquisitively, “what brings you to us again? Perchance you have been sent by your Duke to collect the sum advanced by the Swiss States for the redemption of Alsace?” “Hardly that,” said Vögeli; “but tell me, is it true that Duke Sigismund comes hither to-morrow?” “So it is said,” replied Iseli. “Doubtless you have matters of importance to lay before the Archduke?” Vögeli would fain have concealed his errand, but the innkeeper plied his questions so adroitly that he soon succeeded in extracting the whole story; and when the Captain, wearied with his long ride, retired to his chamber to rest, the news quickly spread through the town that Hagenbach, the oppressor of the Alsatians, the enemy of Switzerland as of every right-minded man, had been taken prisoner and the Archduke was to pronounce judgment on him. When Sigismund drew near the town the following morning, he found the magistrates already at the gates to welcome him. Vögeli had been riding at the Duke’s side for half an hour, having gone out earlier to meet him with the news of Hagenbach’s capture, and when Sigismund dismissed him kindly, he turned his horse’s head toward The Bears once more. But the acclamations that had followed the Duke were now centred on the Captain, and his horse could make but slow progress through the densely packed throngs that filled the streets. When he at last dismounted he was raised aloft on the shoulders of the sturdy burghers and borne into the inn, where a number of the patricians and citizens of Basle had assembled to meet him. Among these were old Irmy and Walter, with whom Vögeli soon retired to his own chamber to escape the praise and adulation so distasteful to his modest nature. “Iseli shall bring us some wine,” said the Councillor, “and then I have something to propose that I hope will please you.”