Two hours more brought them to the fortress of Tuebingen, where the brave Count Montfort, though refusing to join Rodolph, had designed to hold out to the last against his perjured and sacrilegious rival.

The palmer demanded admittance in the name of Albert of Hers, and instantly obtained it.
The generous countess received the daughter of Stramen with open arms, and the count swore first to protect and then to avenge her.

Nor was the palmer forgotten.

Despite his ridiculous costume, now soiled and torn and stained with blood, he exhibited no embarrassment when ushered into the presence of the noble group.
"The Lady Margaret would know her deliverer," said the countess.
The palmer removed his head-piece and threw back his hood.
"Do you remember me, my lady ?" he asked, with a smile.
The maiden looked as one striving to recall a dream.
"Do you remember Ailred of Zurich, the minnesinger ?" Her cheek turned scarlet as she exclaimed, "Oh I how much I owe to you!" "You owe me nothing, lady," returned Humbert.
"Is my life nothing ?" "If you prize that," was the reply, "reserve your thanks for him who made your safety my duty.".