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His kindliness and sympathy were more effectual with Ebbo than the desire to represent his case favourably, for he was still too wretched to care for policy; but he answered Theurdank's questions readily, and explained how the idea of the bridge had originated in the vigil beside the broken waggons. "I hope," said Theurdank, "the merchants made up thy share?
Theurdank thought this a prudent course, since the Genoese had dealings both at Tripoli and Constantinople; and, moreover, the transfer was not impossible, since the two different hordes of Moslems trafficked among themselves when either had made an unusually successful razzia.
Weep freely; fear me not. Do I not know what it is, when those who were over-good for earth have found their eagle's wings, and left us here?" Ebbo gazed up through his tears into the noble, mournful face that was bent kindly over him. "I will not seek to comfort thee by counselling thee to forget," said Theurdank.
"Not the hardiest cragsman, not my son himself," she said, "could venture on such a morning to guide you to " "Whither, gracious dame?" asked Theurdank, half smiling. "Nay, sir, I would not utter what you would not make known." "You know me then?" "Surely, sir, for our noble foe, whose generous trust in our honour must win my son's heart."
"What if your young lord could not forswear himself that my name is Theurdank! Are you foes to all the world save Theurdank?" "No masking," said Heinz, sternly. "Tell your true name as an honest man, and we will judge whether you be friend or foe."
Ebbo thanked him, but said he needed no one till his mother should come after prayers. "Nay, I told thee I had some leechcraft. Thou art weary, and must rest more entirely;" and, giving him little choice, Theurdank supported him with one arm while removing the pillows that propped him, then laid him tenderly down, saying, "Good night, and the saints bless thee, brave young knight.
Ebbo could not help exclaiming, "where will be room for chivalry?" "Talk not old world nonsense," said Theurdank; "chivalry is in the heart, not in the weapon.
"There is still stuff enough left to make that ONE well worth having," said Theurdank, kindly grasping his hand, "though I would it were more substantial! How didst get old Wolfgang down, boy? He must have been a tough morsel for slight bones like these, even when better covered than now. Come, tell me all.
"Hands off! at your peril, villains!" exclaimed Ebbo, sitting up, and speaking in the steady resolute voice that had so early rendered him thoroughly their master, but much perplexed and dismayed, and entirely unassisted by Theurdank, who stood looking on with almost a smile, as if diverted by his predicament.
"It was in the September of 1475." "Ha!" muttered Theurdank, musing to himself; "that was the year the dotard Schenk got his overthrow at the fight of Rain on Sare from the Moslem. Some composition was made by them, and old Wolfgang was not unlikely to have been the go-between. So! Say on, young knight," he added, "let us to the matter in hand.
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