One day Sir Heerdegen seemed more than ever lost in deep reflection, from which Bertha concluded that they were now near the end of their journey. Her heart heaved and beat with her own visionary expectations, while towards evening her brother, almost with terror in his aspect, looked round for some house of entertainment for travellers; but nothing was visible but some lonely moss-covered cottages. He sent out both their attendants to explore in different directions; and as, after having stood still for some time, he found that they did not return, he ordered those who had charge of the packhorse to wait there while he rode about with Bertha. But in the winding paths of the wooded country they soon lost their way altogether, found no fitting house to rest in for the night, nor could they even make their way back to the spot where he had desired the servants to wait for him. The stars were now shining bright in heaven, and Sir Heerdegen suddenly halted as they came to the foot of a steep ascent. “Good Heavens!” cried he, “if I mistake not, we are come earlier to our journey’s end than I had expected or wished. How gladly, dearest Bertha, would I have still had you with me till the morning! Look up towards the summit of the hill, and try whether by star-light you can distinguish a fortress.” At that moment the full moon, that was now rising, broke forth in refulgence from the east, and immediately the windows of the castle were illuminated in glittering radiance; crosses too were seen gleaming on the towers and ramparts; soft music came floating from afar, through the woods, gently waved by the night wind. Bertha stretched out her arms towards the light, with looks of triumph and rejoicing, while her brother struck his cuirass with his iron-gloved right hand, heaving a sigh of doubt and apprehension.