Before taking off his armor, our hero repaired to the tent where he had placed his prisoner.
Nigri looked up with an air of reproach, as Rechberg entered.
"I beg you to accept my excuses, my lord, for the unfortunate events which have occurred this morning, whose cause I entirely ignore, but in which my honor compelled me to engage."
"My lord Count," replied Gherardo, "I can find no fault with your explanation; the Chancellor's hatred for my country is such, that to gratify it, he considers himself at liberty to use even disloyal weapons against us."
"No apology can be made for Dassel's conduct; but Milan also counts among her citizens some whose loyalty is most questionable," replied Erwin.
"I understand you," said Nigri: "you allude to a matter which interests you personally--and me also. The capture of Hermengarde is a most reprehensible action."
Rechberg was surprised, but his astonishment increased when the Consul, after a brief pause, continued.
"My son's act is very reprehensible, it is true; but perhaps under similar circumstances you would have done the same. Pietro is not yet formally betrothed to Hermengarde, but their marriage has been in contemplation for many years.--Put yourself in Pietro's place and tell me if his conduct does not seem less culpable?"
The Count was thunderstruck; he looked wildly at the Consul, and then paced the room in great agitation.
"Indeed?" said he, "I was not aware of this."
"You perceive, then, that Pietro's claim to the young lady somewhat palliates his violence."
"Still, what he has done is unworthy of a knight, and I count upon your generosity not to make the father responsible for--"
"No; but your son's action will in some degree modify the conditions of your release. Excuse me for a moment. My friend Berthold will, during my absence, discharge the duties of host."
"With pleasure, Count," said Berthold; "I look upon it as an honor to entertain your prisoner."
Erwin mounted and rode over to the Imperial tent; for he wished to be alone for a short time. On his arrival, Gero announced that a Guelphic knight urgently desired to see him.
"You are not wounded, I trust, my lord?" said the squire, as he was taking off his armor.
"It is a pity that your duel was prevented. But perhaps the Unknown has not come off scot-free, and indeed he may have been killed or captured, for we have taken prisoner a great many knights."