"'Tis most true," said the wounded Knight, exerting all his force;
"I am Frederic thy father. Yes, I came to deliver thee. It will
not be. Give me a parting kiss, and take--"

"Sir," said Theodore, "do not exhaust yourself; suffer us to convey
you to the castle."

"To the castle!" said Isabella. "Is there no help nearer than the
castle? Would you expose my father to the tyrant? If he goes
thither, I dare not accompany him; and yet, can I leave him!"

"My child," said Frederic, "it matters not for me whither I am
carried. A few minutes will place me beyond danger; but while I
have eyes to dote on thee, forsake me not, dear Isabella! This
brave Knight--I know not who he is--will protect thy innocence.
Sir, you will not abandon my child, will you?"

Theodore, shedding tears over his victim, and vowing to guard the
Princess at the expense of his life, persuaded Frederic to suffer
himself to be conducted to the castle. They placed him on a horse
belonging to one of the domestics, after binding up his wounds as
well as they were able. Theodore marched by his side; and the
afflicted Isabella, who could not bear to quit him, followed
mournfully behind.



CHAPTER IV.