So you shall hear how I, as wise as the serpent, craftily forced this haughty knight"-- she tapped Heinz Schorlin's arm with her riding whip--"and you, too, Jungfrau Ortlieb, whose pardon I now entreat, to help me win the bet.

No offence, noble sirs! But this bet was what compelled me to drag you all from Kadolzburg and its charms so early, and induce you to attend me on the reckless ride through the moonlit night.

Now accept the thanks of a lady whose heart is grateful; for your obedience helped me win the wager.

Look yonder at my handsome, submissive knight, Sir Heinz Schorlin, so rich in every virtue.

I commanded, him, on pain of my anger, to meet me at midnight at the entrance of our quarters--that is, the entry of the Ortlieb mansion; and to this modest and happy betrothed bride (may she pardon the madcap!) I represented how it troubled me and wounded my timid delicacy to enter so late at night, accompanied only by gentlemen, the house which so hospitably sheltered us, and go to my sleeping room, though I should not fear the Sultan and his mamelukes, if with this in my hand"-- she motioned to her riding whip--"and my dear father at my side, I stood on my own feet which, though by no means small, are well-shod and resolute.