commander!” while, at the same time, he looked humbly on the ground, and could not bring out another word. But the old hero, smiling kindly on his embarrassment, began to speak as follows:--“My noble comrades and brave champions, there is yet one important and serious question which we have to answer. Our enemies have retreated, it is true, and taken shelter behind their own frontiers; our husbandmen have sown the seeds of their future harvest, and wait with confidence to reap the fruits at the fitting time. That their hopes may not be disappointed, that the winter may pass over their heads in peace, seems, according to the will of Providence, to depend on us. For this purpose it is requisite that some of our bands should, through the cold months of winter, remain here to guard the passes of the mountains. It is true, that these regions are haunted by spectres and demons; at least so the people say; and, moreover, the winter cold, as we all know, is very bitter and hard to withstand. However, methinks a true hero of the north would for once gladly contend with such evils, and look on them as but a pastime. Say then, who is there among you that is most inclined to this duty?” Hereupon not a word was for some time clearly heard. The officers reflected and communed with each other, and it was easy to perceive that though many a one was willing to undertake the task, yet questions and doubts occurred to him which it was not easy to solve. Meanwhile Sir Otto of Trautwangen and the sea-monarch looked at each other, and, as if inspired at one moment by the same emotion, both presented themselves before the royal commander. “We would gladly try our fortune through the winter in the mountains,” said they; “yet if the result should be different from that which you desire, at least you may be assured that our good intentions and best endeavours were not wanting.” Thereupon the old prince with great joy accepted their offer, and invited them with all the other chiefs to the banquet. Farther, it was agreed that the two champions, the sea-monarch and the knight, this very day should proceed towards the mountains; for this was according to their own earnest request. They failed not to remember, how much in such undertakings depends on gaining possession of this or that advantageous position, before the enemy has had time to rally after a repulse.