“Then my heart was moved.  I thought of the wife and children of the unfortunate Theobald, and I entreated one of my brethren, a captain, in great favor with his chieftain, to bear to the latter a letter which I wrote, notwithstanding my great weakness, in which I earnestly requested, as a personal favor, that he would allow the wife and family of Theobald to be conducted safely from the chateau.  I told him that their lives were precious to me; and that, since I could not myself be their protector, I committed this charge to him, in the name of the Lord Jesus.

“My friend immediately set out, after having received from me particular instructions as to the house to which he should himself conduct the lady of the castle and her children; and towards day-break, I received from this brother the message, that my wishes had been received and regarded as commands, and that the whole family of Theobald was in safety.”

“Dear papa,” said Erard, taking his father’s hand and covering it with kisses, “you have done as the Saviour commanded—­’Do good to them that hate you.’”

“My son,” replied Arnold, “it was my duty, and I glorify God for having made it easy for me.  Rothenwald is now only a smoking ruin.  It was pillaged, then burnt.  O, my poor soldiers, how deluded they have been!  O, how far are they still from comprehending that religion of Jesus which they professed to defend!”

“But, my dear Arnold,” asked Gottfried, “how were you restored to me?  Who brought you here?”

“It was, truly, the hand of God, my father.  I was in the cabin of the wood-cutter, with the two friends who never left me, when the wood-cutter’s daughter came running in, alarmed, to tell us that a numerous company of soldiers were advancing towards the wood, and appeared to be in search of the house where I was concealed.  ’Here they are!’ she exclaimed.  ‘They are coming to kill you!  O, may God save you!’

“But these soldiers were of our own party, and came to carry me to some other place.  Their captain was known to me:  he was a man who feared God and protected his servants.  I expressed to him the ardent desire I had to be with you, my father; and my request was granted.  The wood-cutter wished to make me a litter; but the soldiers cried, ’Our lances and our arms are the Lion’s!’ And you have seen how these brave people accomplished their work of love and honor.

“My two brethren insisted upon accompanying me:  I opposed them.  ‘Go!’ said I; ’hasten to your own families:  for many hearts are in anguish on your account.’  They embraced me; they committed me to the care of the faithful captain, and to our God; and our God himself has preserved me, and brought me to you.”

“And Hildegarde, and her children?” asked Gottfried, with lively interest.

“Thanks to God, I have been able to send them to the house of your sister, my worthy and pious aunt, at Waldhaus.  Her dwelling is at a safe distance; and her heart has received this unfortunate mother and her five orphans, as you, my father, would have welcomed them yourself.  A messenger from my aunt reached me, while I was on my way hither, and I know that all is well.  Alas! as well as it can be for a widow, suddenly driven from her home, despoiled of all her property, and who, I fear, knows not yet the peace and strength which are from God.”