14. XIV.
At a late hour the college separated. The sitting
was broken up, and the several members prepared
to retire to the spoils and possessions which
the will of Oberfeldt had assigned then. The
dangers and conditions of that will; the pledges
of terror which they had made — filled as they
were with wine and frolic, and gloating on the vast
wealth placed within their enjoyment — gave them
but little concern. Their next celebration was
required to be held at the same place, on the same
night of the ensuing year. A year was secured
to them of licentious and unrestrained enjoyment;
and to most of them a new world of happiness
was opened upon them by this heretofore unknown
privilege. They gave themselves but little concern
about the one of their number who must be
chosen for the next year's sacrifice. It was enough
that they had a bond of fate for that period of time.
Reckless in their lives before, they were not less
so in reference to the hour of their death. They
could lose but little, as life had never fairly been
possessed by any among them.
The thoughts of Rodolph troubled him more
greatly on this subject; but the presence of Conrade,
who clung to his friend, and employed his
mind and fancy by a continual reference to Bertha
Staremberg, served to keep them down and
to restrain them. They did not separate as did
the rest.
“I will attend you,” said Conrade; “you must
instantly seek Bertha, or you may be too late.
Your baron with the long name may be in a hurry,
and Staremberg has shown you that he does
not hold you of sufficient importance, though he
loved your father so very much, to wait any very
long time for his son. Your retainers, I see, are
ready; and Oberfeldt, like a hospitable man, has
provided handsomely for his friends. These
dresses are very rich. Follow my example.”
In an instant Conrade Weickhoff arrayed himself
in a splendid suit, that lay on the table before
him, which was covered with the richest dresses of
every pattern and size. Without pause for reflection,
Rodolph did the same, and they were soon
equipped. In the court below fine horses were
caparisoned; and Weickhoff did not scruple to
single out a noble barb for himself, while designating
another for his friend. They were soon
mounted, and the morning sun found them scouring
over the space which separated the two castles of
Oberfeldt and Staremberg.
