WERNI.
A safe return, my friend!
KUONI.
The same to you!
Men come not always back from tracks like yours.
RUODI.
But who comes here, running at topmost speed?
WERNI.
I know the man; "tis Baumgart of Alzellen.
KONRAD BAUMGARTEN (_rushing in breathless_).
For G.o.d"s sake, ferryman, your boat!
RUODI.
How now?
Why all this haste?
BAUM.
Cast off! My life"s at stake!
Set me across!
KUONI.
Why, what"s the matter, friend?
WERNI.
Who are pursuing you? First tell us that.
BAUM. (_to the fisherman_).
Quick, quick, man, quick! they"re close upon my heels!
It is the Viceroy"s men are after me; If they should overtake me, I am lost.
RUODI.
Why are the troopers in pursuit of you?
BAUM.
First make me safe and then I"ll tell you all.
WERNI.
There"s blood upon your garments--how is, this?
BAUM.
The Imperial Seneschal, who dwelt at Rossberg--
KUONI.
How! What! The Wolfshot?[39] Is it he pursues you?
BAUM.
He"ll ne"er hurt man again; I"ve settled him.
ALL (_starting back_).
Now, G.o.d forgive you, what is this you"ve done!
BAUM.
What every free man in my place had done.
Mine own good household right I have enforced "Gainst him that would have wrong"d my wife--my honor.
KUONI.
How! Wronged you in your honor, did he so?
BAUM.
That he did not fulfil his foul desire, Is due to G.o.d and to my trusty axe.
WERNI.
And you have cleft his skull then, with your axe?
KUONI.
O, tell us all! You"ve time enough, and more, While he is getting out the boat there from the beach.
BAUM.
When I was in the forest felling timber, My wife came running out in mortal fear.
"The Seneschal," she said, "was in my house, Had order"d her to get a bath prepared, And thereupon had ta"en unseemly freedoms, From which she rid herself, and flew to me."
Arm"d as I was, I sought him, and my axe Has given his bath a b.l.o.o.d.y benison.