This gang of Wolfsburg have long been a scourge to the
country around it, and terrible are the tales we have heard of
their violence and cruelty. I have for weeks feared that sooner or
later they would extend their ravages even to this secluded spot."
"And, indeed, I thank you, brave youth, for the warning you have
given us, which will enable us to send our womenkind, our cattle and
horses, to a place of safety before these scourges of God arrive
here. Gretchen, place food and wine before this youth who has done
us so great a service; doubtless he is hungry and thirsty, for `tis
a long journey from Wolfsburg hither."
"What think you, father, shall I warn the men at once of the coming
danger, or shall I let them sleep quietly this Sabbath night for
the last time in their old homes?"
"What time, think you, will these marauders leave their hold?" the
pastor asked Malcolm.
"They will probably start by daybreak," Malcolm said, "seeing
that the journey is a long one; but this is not certain, as they
may intend to remain here for the night, and to return with their
plunder on the following day to the castle."
"But, sir," he went on, turning to the farmer, "surely you will
not abandon your home and goods thus tamely to these freebooters.
You have here, unless I am mistaken, fully twenty stout men capable
of bearing arms; the marauders number but thirty in all, and they
always leave at least five to guard the castle and two as sentries
over the horses; thus you will not have more than twenty-three to
cope with.
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