Page:The German Novelists (Volume 3).djvu/72

 keep the cold from his stomach in the morning air. “Sir Knight,” replied Frank, “your supper was too excellent to permit me to take breakfast; but, if you please, I will supply my pockets, and eat when I am hungry.” So saying, he proceeded to fill his pockets with the choicest viands upon the table. His horse, well cleaned, fed, and accoutred, being now brought to the door, he filled a glass of rich cordial to his host’s health, imagining he was thus giving the signal for being set upon, and soundly beaten. To his no small surprize, the Knight only shook him by the hand, wished him a good journey, and sent his servant to open the gates. So he mounted, and spurred away at speed; and in a few minutes found himself beyond the castle-gate, none the worse by a single hair.

He felt greatly relieved, to find himself at perfect freedom, without any aching bones. He could not imagine how his noble host had come to spare him, contrary to the rules of the castle; and now first began to feel grateful for his kindness. He was curious to learn whether there were really any foundation for the report; and at length he turned his horse’s head and rode back to inquire. The Knight was standing at the gate, passing his opinion on the points of poor Frank’s steed, breeding horses happening to be rather one of his hobbies. Supposing his guest had forgotten some of his bag-