Pagina 735 di 1118

We cannot finish our record of the history of this day without

briefly relating the conduct of the Unknown. Before his second

return to the castle, the report of his conversion had preceded

him; it had spread through the valley, and excited surprise,

anxiety, and numerous conjectures. As he approached the castle he

made a sign to all the bravoes he met to follow him: filled with

unusual apprehension, but with their accustomed submission, they

obeyed; their number increased every moment. Reaching the castle,

he entered the first court, and there, resting on his saddle bow,

in a voice of thunder he gave a loud call, the wonted signal

which all habitually obeyed. In a moment those who were scattered

about the castle hastened to join the troop collected around

their leader.