CHAPTER I.
The vesper bells had already died away, yet Heinz was still listening eagerly to the aged Minorite, who was now relating the story of St.
Francis, his breach with everything that he loved, and the sorrowful commencement of his life.

The monk could have desired no more attentive auditor.

Only the young knight often looked out of the window in search of Biberli, who had not yet returned.
The latter had gone to the Ortlieb mansion with Katterle.
The runaway maid, whose disappearance, at old Martsche's earnest request, had already been "cried" in the city, had no cause to complain of her reception; for the housekeeper and the other servants, who knew nothing of her guilt, greeted her as a favourite companion whom they had greatly missed, and Biberli had taken care that she was provided with answers to the questions of the inquisitive.

The story which he had invented began with the false report that a fire had broken out in the fortress.

This had startled Katterle, and attracted her to the citadel to aid her countrywoman and her little daughter.