But you would oblige me, Herr Baron, if in future you use a tone less light in speaking of this young lady, who is worthy of every honour.

Her reputation is as faultless as the purity of her voice, and, obstinate as she may be----" "So this masterpiece of the Creator finds much favour in your eyes and your keen ears, Sir Knight," Malfalconnet gaily interrupted.

"From any one else, my young friend, I should not suffer such a warning to pass; but we are now riding in the Emperor's precincts, so it would cause me sore embarrassment if my steel pierced you, for my neck, which is very precious to me, would then probably fall under the rude axe of the executioner.

Besides, I wish you well, as you know, and I understand you German pedants.

Henceforward--I swear it by all the saints!--I will utter no disrespectful word of your lovely countrywoman until you yourself release my tongue." "That will never be done!" Wolf eagerly protested, "and the mere supposition would force me to bare my sword, if it were not you----" "If it were not sheer madness for your thumb-long parade dagger to cross blades with my good sword," laughed Malfalconnet.