I renewed the attack from different points, and after many onslaughts, I captured the bailey of the parental fortresses; that is, I compelled them to listen to me.

My chief point of attack was Max himself.

He listened readily enough, but he could not see how the thing was to be done.

When I spoke of the luxuries of Italy and Burgundy, and told him of deeds of prowess performed daily throughout the world by men vastly his inferior, his eyes brightened and his cheek flushed.

When I talked of wealth to be won and glory to be achieved in those rich lands, and hinted at the barren poverty of Styria, he would sigh and answer:-- "Ah, Karl, it sounds glorious, but I was born to this life, and father and mother would not forgive me if I should seek another destiny.