Transcriber's note: Unusual and inconsistent spelling is as printed.
Full of hope and thankfulness, the good soldier and
his family took possession of their new home.
THE
LITTLE CAP
OR
The Lost Heir of Sternfelden
BY
HON. MRS. DUNDAS.
London:
GALL AND INGLIS, 25 PATERNOSTER SQUARE;
AND EDINBURGH
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER.
IV. GASPARD AND HIS FAMILY LEAVE THEIR HOME.
THE LITTLE CAP.
CHAPTER I.
THE CALL TO BATTLE.
IN the year 1552, Charles the Fifth, Emperor of Germany, thecelebrated son of Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain, laid siege to thetown of Metz, famous then as now for its fortifications, and for itscathedral, which is one of the finest in Europe. It had lately beentaken possession of by the French, and the Emperor vainly endeavouredto regain it. It was at the time above-named defended by Francis Dukeof Guise, one of the most illustrious warriors of France, who, by hismilitary career, as well as his high personal advantages, added not alittle to the lustre of the House of Lorraine. His defence of Metz wasamongst his most distinguished military exploits.
Amongst the German troops—who, not less brave than those of Spain andItaly, far surpassed them in discipline and humanity—was serving, atthe time our story commences, a soldier of the name of GaspardStettele, a native of Munderkingen, a town of Suabia, seated on theDanube. Gaspard was not only remarkable for his courage and thediligence with which he discharged his military duties, but also forhis honesty and kindness of heart, which, together with other goodqualities, had secured for him the approbation and esteem of hissuperiors, as well as the goodwill and respect of his fellow-soldiers.A sincere piety, somewhat rare amongst men of his calling, regulatedhis life and conversation. Gaspard never went into action without onhis knees imploring protection from One whom he well knew couldpreserve him in every danger.
Before the war of which we are speaking, Gaspard had married a youngvillage girl, Katherine Stiess, and the union had been a happy onefor both. Katherine was industrious, frugal, and devoted to herhusband; and by the economy and order with which she managed herlittle family, she had kept them free from want. This was not alwayseasy, as her husband would not, like other soldiers, enrich himselfby pillage, and would no more have robbed a fallen and helpless enemythan he would a countryman or a friend.
Then, as now, soldiers scrupled not to appropriate all that thechances of war threw in their way;—not so Gaspard. He, on thecontrary, grieved at the rapacity and unfeeling cruelty with which hiscomrades too often despoiled those who could offer no resistance