Many years ago, when Bruchsal was still surrounded by a mighty city wall, there lived a young guard named Hans. Hans was responsible for the city's security and often patrolled along the wall, especially the places that spanned the Saalbach.
One night, when the moon was high in the sky and the stars were sparkling, Hans heard a soft splashing in the water. Curious, he looked over the wall and spotted a small fox trying to cross the Saalbach. However, the fox was too small to overcome the current and fought desperately against the water.
Hans, who had a big heart for animals, decided to help the fox. He carefully climbed down the wall and handed the fox a long branch for the animal to hold on to. With much effort and patience, Hans pulled the fox out of the water and brought it to safety.
The fox, grateful for the rescue, visited Hans every evening from that day on. He brought him small gifts such as shiny stones and colorful feathers that he had found in the forest. The two became inseparable friends, and Hans often told the fox stories about the town and its inhabitants.
The town wall may have largely disappeared today, but the friendship between Hans and the little fox lives on in the stories of the people of Bruchsal. And every time someone visits the remains of the town wall over the Saalbach, they wonder if the spirit of Hans and his faithful fox still lingers there.