 Chapter 19 of The Swordmaker This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. The Swordmaker by Robert Barr Chapter 19, The Betrothal in the Garden Next morning, Prince Roland sent a letter to the Archbishop of Mainz, informing him that the Empress had taken up her abode in the palace of her old friend, the Lord of Cologne, giving the reasons for this move and his own desertion of the imperial palace, and asking permission to call upon his mother each day. The messenger brought back a prompt reply, which commented the delicacy of his motives in leaving the royal palace, but added that, so far as the three archbishops were concerned, the Sahlhof was still at their disposal. Of course Prince Roland's movements were quite untrammeled, and again, so far as concerned the three archbishops, he was at liberty to visit whom he pleased, as often as he liked. While waiting for the return of his messenger, Roland called upon her gerbil, and told him that twenty emissaries had gone forth in every direction from Frankfurt to inform the farming community that a market had been opened in the city, and in exchange learned what the merchant had already done towards furthering the necessary organization. Oh, by the way, Hergobel, he cried, suddenly recollecting, just write out and sign a document to this effect. I promise her, Roland, swordmaker of Saxonhausen, to supply him with the capital necessary for carrying out his contract with his lordship, the Archbishop of Cologne. Without Demur, the merchant indicted the document, signed it, and gave it to the Prince. If any emissary of Mainz pays you a domiciliary visit, Hergobel, asking questions about me, carefully conceal my real status, and reply the time an honest, skillful swordmaker anxious to revive the ironworking industry, and for this reason, being yourself solicitous for the welfare of Frankfurt, you were risking some money. In the afternoon, Roland walked to the Palace of Cologne, and boldly entered, with no attempt at secrecy, the doorkeeper on this occasion offering no impediment to his progress. He learned that the Empress, much fatigued, had retired to her room, and must not be disturbed, that the Archbishop was consulting with the Count Palatine, while the Count is once same, was walking in the garden. Roland passed with some haste through the Palace, and emerged into the grounds behind it, grounds delightfully umbrageous, and of an extent surprisingly large, surrounded by a very high wall of stone, so solidly built that it might successfully stand a siege. Roland found the girl sauntering very slowly along one of the most secluded alleys, whose gravel path lay deeply in the shade caused by the thick foliage of overhanging trees, which made a cool green tunnel of the walk. Her head was slightly bowed in thought, her beautiful face pathetic in its weariness, and the young man realised, with a pang of sympathy, that she was still, to all intents and purposes, a prisoner, with no companions but venerable people. She could not, and indeed did not, attempt his oppressive exclamation of delight at seeing him, stretching out both hands in greeting, and her countenance cleared as if by magic. I was thinking of you, she cries, without a trace of cockatry. I judged your thoughts to be rather gloomy, he said, with a laugh in which she joined, gloomy only because I could see or hear nothing of you. Did you know I came yesterday? No. Why did you not ask to see me? I was informed you were entertaining the Count Palatine. Ah yes, he's a delightful old man, I like him better and better as time goes on. My guardian and I were guests of his at Gutenfels, just before I occupied the marine prison of Phelps. So your guardian told me, they were now walking side by side in the secluded, thickly wooded avenue, just wide enough for two, running in a straight line from wall to wall the whole length of the property, in the part most remote from the house. Nothing disastrous has happened to you, she asked. I've had miserable forebodings. No, I am living a most commonplace life, quite unebentful. But why, why does the Archbishop of Mainz delay the election? I did not know he was doing so. Oh my guardian is very anxious about it. Such postponement, I understand, never happened before. The state is without a head. Has your guardian spoken to Mainz about it? Yes, and has been met by the most icy politeness. Mainz wishes this election to take place with a full conclave of seven electors, three of whom have not yet arrived. But my guardian says they never arrive, and take no interest in imperial matters. He pointed out to Mainz that a quorum of the court is already in Frankfurt, but his lordship of the Upper Rhine merely protests that they must not force an election, all of which my guardian thinks is a mere hiding of some design on the part of Mainz. Prince Roland meditated on this for a few moments. Then, as of shaking off his doubts, he said, It never occurs to one Archbishop that either of the others may be speaking the truth. There's so much mistrust among them that they nullify all united action, which accounts for the prostrate state of this city, the capital of one of the most prosperous countries under the sun. So far as I can see, taken individually, they're upright, trustworthy men. Now, to give you an instance, your guardian last night was simply panic-stricken at my audacity in visiting him. He said I must not come again, refusing me permission to see you. He told you nothing of my conference with him. He felt certain I was being tracked by spies, and could not be made to understand that my presence here was of no consequence one way or another. Then why are you here now? I'm just coming to that. I asked your guardian to invite my mother as his guest. Have you met her yet? No, they told me the Empress was too tired to receive anyone. I am to be introduced at dinner tonight. Well, this morning I wrote to the Archbishop of Mainz, telling him of my interview with your guardian, the reason for it, and the results. His reply came promptly by return. Roland produced the document. Just read that and see whether you detect anything sinister in it. She read the letter thoughtfully. That is honest enough on the surface. On the surface, yes. But why not below the surface as well? That is a frank assent to a frank request. I think that if the Archbishops would treat each other with open candour, they would save themselves a good deal of anxiety. Perhaps, said the girl, very quietly. You were not convinced? I don't know what to think. Then she looked up at him quickly. Were you followed last night? Ah, ejaculated Roland laughing a little. Apparently not so far as I could see. But the night was very dark. Then he related to her the incident succeeding the return to his room, while she listened with breathless eagerness. The lieutenant, he concluded, did not deny that he was in the service of Mainz when I hinted as much. But on the other hand, he did not admit it. Of course, I knew by his uniform to whom he belonged. He conducted my examination with military abruptness, but skillfully, and with increase in courtesy, although I proclaimed myself a mechanic. You were mechanic, she said incredulously. Do you think he believed it? I see you doubt my histrionic ability, but when next he waits upon me, I shall produce documentary evidence of my status, and what is more, I'll take to my workshop. Do you possess a workshop? cried the girl in amazement. Do I? Why, I am partner with a man named Greysel, and we own a workshop together. A gruff, clumsy individual, as you would think, but who nevertheless, with his delicate hammer, would beat you out in metal, a brooch finer than that you were wearing. Do you mean Joseph? Yes, replied Roland, astonished. What do you know of him? Have you forgotten so soon? It was his stalwart shoulders that burst in my door at Falz, and you yourself told me his name was Joseph Greysel. Were all those mirages you commanded honest mechanics? Every man of them. Then you must be the villain of the peace who led these worthy iron workers astray. Roland laughed heartily. That is quite true, he said. Have I fallen in your estimation? No, to me you appeared as a rescuer. Besides, I come of a race of ruffians, and doubtless on that account take a more lenient view of your villainy than maybe the case with others. The young man stopped in his walk, and seized her hands again, but she allowed him to possess unresisting. Hilda, he said solemnly, your guardian thought the Archbishop of Mainz had relented, and would withdraw his opposition to our marriage. Has Mainz said anything to corroborate that estimate? Nothing. Has your guardian broached the subject to him? Yes, but the attitude of my lord of Mainz was quite inscrutable. Personally, I think my guardian wrong in his surmise. The Archbishop of Traves murmured that Mainz never forgives. I am certain I offended him too deeply for pardon. He wishes the future empress to be a pliable creature who will influence her husband according to his lordship's desires. But, as I have boasted several times, I belong to the House of Sain. Hilda, will you marry me in spite of the Archbishops? Roland, will you forgo kingship for my sake? Yes, a thousand times, yes. You said, for the empress, not for the empire, but if I am no empress, you will just cheerfully wed me? Yes. Then I say yes. He caught her in his arms, and they floated into the heaven of their first kiss, an ecstatic melting together. Suddenly she drew away from him. There is someone coming, she whispered. Nothing matters now, said Roland breathlessly. There is no one in the world today but you and me. Hildegund drew her hands down her cheeks as if to brush away their tell-tale colour and their warmth. Tis like, said Roland, that you marry a poor man. Nothing matters now, she repeated, laughing tremulously. I am said to be the richest woman in Germany. I shall build you a forge and enlist myself your apprentice. We will paint over the door her Roland and wife, sword-makers. Two men appeared at the end of the alley and stood still. One with a frown on his brow, the other with a smile on his lips. Oh, whispered the Countess, panic striking from her face the colour that her palms had failed to remove. The archbishop and Count Palatine. His lordship strode forward, followed more leisurely by the smiling Count. Prince Roland, said Cologne, I had not expected this after our conference of last night. I fail to understand why, my lord, when my parting words were, tell your porter to let me in without parlay. That surely indicated an intention on my part to visit the palace? Your highness knows that so far as I am concerned, you are very welcome. And always shall be so, but at this junction there are others to consider. Roland interrupted, read this letter, my lord, and you will learn that I am here with the full concurrence of that generous prince of the church, Mainz, Cologne, with knitted brow, scrutinized the communication. Your highness is most courageous, but if I may be permitted, just a trifle too clever. My highness is not clever at all, but merely meets the situation as it arises. Prince Roland, said the Countess, her head raised proudly, may I introduce to you my friend, and almost my neighbour, the Count Palatine of the Rhine. Ah, pardon me, murmured the archbishop, covered with confusion, but the jovial Count swept away all embarrassment by his hearty greeting. Prince Roland, I am delighted with the honour her ladyship accords me, and I, my lord, am exceedingly gratified to meet the Count Palatine again. Again! cried the Count in astonishment. If ever we had encountered one another, your highness, I certainly should not have been the one to forget the privilege. The prince laughed. It is true, nevertheless. My lord, count, there is a namesake of mine in the precincts of your strong castle of Gutenfels, a namesake who does more honour to the title than I do myself. The Count Palatine threw back his head, and the forest garden echoed with boisterous laughter. You mean my black charger, Prince Roland, he shouted. A noble horse indeed, how knew you of him? If your highness cares for horses, allow me to present them to you. Never, my lord, count. You are too fond of him yourself, and I've always had an affectionate feeling towards you for your love of that animal, which indeed hardly exceeds my own. I grasped his bridal reign and held the stirrup while you mounted. How is that possible? asked the astonished Count. I cared for Prince Roland nearly a month, receiving generous wages, and what I valued more, your own commendation, for you saw I was as fond of horses as you were. Good heavens, were you that youth who came so mysteriously and disappeared without warning? Yes, laughed the prince. I know Gutenfels nearly as well as you do. I was a spy, studying the art of war and methods of fortification. I stopped in various capacities at nearly all the famous castles of the Rhine, and this knowledge recently came in, Your Highness, Your Highness, played the archbishop. I implore you to remember that the Count Palantyne is an elector of the empire, and as I was told last night, we are facing a crisis. Until that crisis is passed, you will add to my already great anxiety by any lack of reticence on your part. By the three kings, cried the Count. This youth, if I may venture to call him so, has banned me to him with bans stronger than chain armour. I shall vote for him whoever falters. His Highness, said the archbishop, with a propitiatory smile, has been listening to the eastern tales which our ancestors brought from the Crusades, and I fear his filled his head with fancies. Really, Archbishop, you misjudge me, said the young man. I am the most practical person in the empire. You interrupted my boasting to her ladyship of my handiwork. I would have you know I am a capable mechanic and a sword-maker. What think you of that, my lord? He asked, drawing forth his weapon and handing it to the cologne. An excellent blade indeed, said the latter, balancing it in his hand. Very well, my lord, I made it and tempered it on this sted. I beg you to re-enter your palace and write me out an order for a thousand of these weapons. If your Highness really wishes me to do this, and there is no concealed humourism in your request which I am too dull to fathom, you must accompany me to my study and dictate the document I am to indict. I shall wait till you bid farewell to the Countess. A glance of mutual understanding flashed between the girl and himself, then Roland raised her hand to his lips, and though the onlookers saw the gallant salutation, they knew nothing of the gentle pressure with which the fingers exchanged their confidences. Madam, said the Prince, it will be my pleasure and duty to wait upon my mother tomorrow. May I look forward to the happiness of presenting you to her? I thank you, said the Countess simply, with a glance of appeal at her garden, that good man sighed, then led the way into the house. End of chapter 19, recording by Squeaky Chapter 22 The Mystery of the Forest Roland left the palace with a sense of elation he had never before experienced, but this received a check as soon as he saw standing in the middle of the square the lieutenant of the night before. His first impulse was to avoid the officer, yet almost instinctively he turned and walked directly to him, which apparently nonplussed the brave emissary of Mayance. Good afternoon to you, sir! began Roland, as if overjoyed to see him. Will you permit me to speak to you, sir? Well, said the lieutenant curtly, my forge, which has been black and cold for many a long day, will soon be alight and warm again. What thank you of this? He handed to the lieutenant his order for a thousand swords, and the officer made a mental note of the commission as an interesting point in our moment that would be appreciated by his chief. You did not inform me last night who was the merchant you hoped would finance your enterprise. Hoped, echoed Roland, his eyes sparkling. Tis more than hope, her lieutenant. His name is Goebel, and he is one of the richest and chiefest traffickers of Frankfurt. Why, my fortune is made. Read this, written in his own hand. I got it from him before midday, on my mere word that I was certain of an order from his lordship. You are indeed much to be envied, said the lieutenant coldly, returning the two documents. Ah, but I am just at the beginning. If you would favour me by smoothing the way to his lordship, the archbishop of Mainz, I, in return. Out upon you for a base-born, prophet-mondering turtle, do you think that I, an officer, would demean myself by partnering a bag-man? The lieutenant turned on his heel, strode away, and left him. Roland pursued his way with bowed head, as though stricken by the rebuff. Nearing the bridge he saw a crowd around an empty cart, standing by which a man in rough clothing was cursing most vociferously. At first he thought there had been an accident, but most of the people were laughing loudly, so, halting in the outskirts, he asked the cause of the commotion. "'Tis but a fool-farmer,' said a man, who came from the country with his load of vegetables. "'Tis safer to enter a lion's den unarmed than to come into Frankfurt with food while people are starving. He has been plundered to the last leaf.' Roland shuddered his way through the crowd, and touched the frantic man on the shoulder. "'What was the value of your load?' he said. "'A misbegotten liar told me this morning that a market had opened in Frankfurt, and that there was money to be had. No sooner am I in the town than everything I brought in is stolen.' "'Yes, yes, I know all about that. My question is, how much is your merchandise worth?' "'Worth?' "'Thirty tailors I expected to get, and now, thirty tailors,' interrupted the prince, "'here is your money. "'Get you gone, and tell your neighbours there is prompt payment for all the preventer they can bring in.' The man calmed down as if a bucket of water had been thrown on him. He counted the payment with miserly care, testing each coin between his teeth, then mounted his cart without a word of thanks, and, to the disappointment of the gathering mob, drove away. Roland, seething with anger, walked directly to the house of her gobel, and found that placid old burger seated at his table. "'Ten thousand curses on your indolence,' he cried. "'Where are your committee and the emissaries empowered to carry out the scheme of relief I have ordered?' "'Committee?' "'Emissaries?' cried the astonished man. "'There has been no time!' "'Time, you thick-headed fool! "'I'll time you by hanging you to your own front door. "'There has been time for me to send my men out into the country. "'Time for a farmer to come in with a cartload of produce "'and be robbed here under your very nose. "'Maledictions on you. "'You sit here, well-fed, and cry, there is no time. "'If I had not paid the yeoman, "'he would have gone back into the country crying. "'We were all thieves here in Frankfurt.' "'Now listen to me. "'I drew my sword once upon you in jest. "'Should I draw it a second time, "'it will be to penetrate your lazy carcass "'by running you through. "'If within two hours there is not a paymaster "'at every gate in Frankfurt to buy and pay "'for each cartload of produce as it comes, "'and also a number of guides "'to tell that farmer where to deliver his goods, "'I'll give your town over to the military "'and order the sacking of every merchant's house "'within its walls. "'It shall be done, it shall be done, it shall be done!' "'Breathed the merchant, trembling as he rose, "'and he kept repeating the phrase "'with the iteration of a parrot. "'You owe me thirty thallers,' said the prince, "'comin' down. "'The first payment out of the relief fund. "'Give me the money.' "'With quivering hands, her gobel, "'seeing no humor in the application, "'handed over the money, "'which the prince slipped into his wallet. "'Dust had fallen when at last "'he reached his room in section-hasen, "'and there he found awaiting him Joseph Grusel "'in semi-darkness and in total gloom. "'Your housekeeper, let me in,' said the visitor. "'Good. I did not expect you back so soon. "'Have the others returned?' "'I do not know. "'I came direct here. "'I carry very ominous news, Roland, "'of impending disaster in Frankfurt. "'Greater than at present oppresses it. "'Civil war, fire, and bloodshed. "'Close the door, Roland, I am tired out, "'and I do not wish to be overheard.' The prince obeyed the request, locking the door. "'Going to a cupboard, "'he produced a generous flagon of wine and a tinkered, "'setting the same on a small table before Grusel. "'Then he threw himself down "'in the one armchair the room possessed. "'Grusel filled the tinkered "'and emptied it without drawing breath. "'He plunged directly into his narrative. "'I had penetrated less than half a leak into the forest "'when I was stopped by an armed man "'who stepped out from behind a tree. "'He wore the uniform of Mayant "'and proclaimed me a prisoner. "'I explained my mission, "'but this had no effect upon him. "'He asked if I would go with him quietly "'or compel him to call assistance. "'Being helpless, "'I would go quietly. "'Notwithstanding this, "'he bound my wrists behind me. "'Then with a strip of cloth blindfolded me. "'Taking me by the arm, "'he led me through the forest "'for a distance impossible to calculate. "'I think, however, we walked "'not more than ten minutes. "'There was a stop and a whispered parley, "'a pause of a few minutes "'and a further conference which I partially heard. "'The commander before whom I must be taken "'was not ready to receive me. "'I should be placed in a tent "'and a guard set over me. "'This was done. "'I asked that the cord which hurt my wrists "'might be removed, "'but instead my ankles were tied together "'and I sat there on the ground "'leaning against the pole at the back of the tent. "'Here my conductor left me "'and I heard him give orders to those "'without to maintain a strict watch "'but to hold no communication with me. "'I imagined that the tent I occupied "'stood back to back with the tent of the commander. "'For after some time I heard the sound of voices "'and it seemed to me the voices of two men in authority. "'They had come to the back part of their tent "'as if to speak confidentially "'and their voices were low, "'yet I could hear them quite distinctly, "'being separated from them "'merely by two thicknesses of cloth. "'What I learned was this. "'There is concealed in the forest, "'within half an hour's quick march of the Southern Gate, "'a force of seven thousand soldiers. "'These soldiers belong to the archbishop of Mayance, "'who commands an additional three thousand "'within the walls of Frankfurt. "'Mayance holds the Southern Gate "'as Treves holds the Western and Cologne the Northern. "'You see at once what that implies. "'Mayance can pour his troops into Frankfurt, "'say at midnight, "'morning he has ten thousand soldiers "'as compared with the three thousand each "'commanded by the archbishops of Treves and Cologne. "'That means Civil War "'and the complete crushing of the two Northern archbishops.' "'I think you take too serious a view of the matter,' commented Roland. "'Mayance is undoubtedly a subtle man "'who takes every precaution that he shall have his own way. "'The reason that there will be no Civil War is this. "'I happen to know on very excellent authority "'that so far as the electoral court goes, "'Mayance is paramount. "'He does not need to conquer Cologne and Treves by force "'because he is already supreme by his genius for intrigue. "'He is a born ruler, "'and his methods are all those of diplomacy "'as against those of arms. "'I dare say if occasion demanded it, "'he would strike quick and strike effectually, "'but occasion does not demand. "'I am rather sure of my facts, "'and I know that the three archbishops, "'together with the Count Palatine of the Rhine, "'are in agreement to elect my namesake, "'Prince Roland, Emperor of Germany.' "'Yes,' said Grusel. "'I heard that rumour, "'and it is generally believed in Frankfurt. "'Rumour, however, as usual, speaks falsely. "'The Prince smiled at his pessimistic colleague "'for that colleague was talking to the man who knew. "'Nevertheless, he listened patiently, "'for, of course, he could not yet reveal himself "'to his somber lieutenant, who continued his narrative. "'The two men spoke of the unfortunate Prince, "'who is, I understand, still a prisoner in Enrafeuels.' "'Here, Roland laughed outright. "'My dear, Grusel, you are entirely mistaken. "'The Prince was never really a prisoner, "'and is this moment in Frankfurt, "'as free to do what he likes as I am.' "'I am sorry,' said Grusel, "'that you do not grasp the seriousness of the situation, "'but I have not yet come to the vital part of it, "'although I thought the very fact "'that seven thousand men threatened Frankfurt would impress you.' "'It does, Grusel,' said Roland, "'remembering the distrust in which both the Countess "'and held mayants, and also the close watch "'his lordship was keeping over Frankfurt, "'as evidenced by the domiciliary visit "'paid to him by an officer of that potentiate. "'Go on, Grusel,' he said more soberly. "'I shall not interrupt you again.' "'I gathered that Prince Roland actually had been chosen, "'but complications arose which I do not altogether understand. "'These complications relate to a woman, or two women, "'to them equally objectionable to the archbishop of Mayants. "'One of these two women was to marry the new emperor, "'but rather than have this happen, "'Mayants determined that another than Prince Roland "'should be elected, "'the reason being that Mayants feared one empress "'would be entirely under the influence of Cologne, "'if chosen, and the other under the influence of Treves. "'So his subtle lordship is deluding both of those electors. "'Cologne has been asked to bring to Frankfurt "'the woman he controls. "'Therefore he harbors the illusion "'that Mayants is reconciled to her. "'Treves also has been requested to bring the lady "'who is his relative, thus she too is in Frankfurt, "'and Treves blindly believes Mayants is favourable to her cause. "'As a matter of fact, Mayants will have neither, "'but has resolved to spring upon the Electoral Court, "'the name of the Grand Duke Carl of Hess, "'a middle-aged man already married, "'and entirely under the dominance of his lordship of Mayants. "'Pardon me, Crusul, I must interrupt in spite of my disclaimer. "'What you say sounds very ingenious, "'but it cannot be carried out. "'Treves, Cologne, and the Count Palatine "'are already pledged to vote for Prince Roland. "'So is Mayants himself, "'and to change front at the last moment "'would be to force-wear himself "'and act as traitor to his colleagues. "'Now he cannot afford to lose even one vote, "'and I believe that the Archbishop of Cologne "'will vote for Prince Roland through thick and thin. "'I think the same of the Count Palatine. "'Treves, of course, is always doubtful and wavering, "'but you see that the negative vote of the Archbishop of Cologne "'would render Mayants powerless and an election impossible. "'Doubtless what you say is true "'and now you have put your finger on the dangerous spot. "'Why has the election been delayed beyond all precedent?' "'That I do not know,' replied Roland. "'The Archbishop of Mayants "'has sent peremptory orders to the three other electors, "'who are reported to be careless so far "'as imperial affairs are concerned, "'and quite indifferent regarding the personality "'of the future emperor. "'No one of these three electors, however, "'dares offend so powerful a man as Mayants. "'If the Archbishop can overall his colleagues "'nominally equal to him in position, "'each commanding an army, "'how think you can three small nobles "'with no soldiers at their back, "'withstand his requests, "'swallvally given no doubt, "'but with an iron menace behind them?' "'True, true,' muttered Roland. "'Two of these nobles have already arrived "'and are housed with the Archbishop of Mayants. "'The third is expected here within three days, "'four days at the farthest. "'Mayants will immediately convene the electoral court "'when the Count Palatine, with the two Archbishops, "'may be astonished to find that for the first time "'in history, the whole seven are present in the Wallzimmer. "'Mayants will ask Cologne to make the nomination "'and he will put forward the name of Prince Roland. "'On a vote being taken, "'the Prince will be in a minority of one. "'Mayants then shows his hand, "'nominating the Grand Duke Carl, "'who will be elected by a majority of one. "'Then may ensue a commotion in the Wallzimmer "'and accusations of bad faith, "'but remember that Cologne and Treves "'are taken completely by surprise. "'They cannot communicate with their commanders "'for the three thousand troops "'which Mayants already has within Frankfurt "'will have quietly surrounded the town hall "'that contains the election chamber, "'and Mayants's seven thousand men from the forest "'are pouring through the southern gate into the city, "'making straight for the Romer. "'Meanwhile, the Grand Duke Carl, "'a man well known to the populace of Frankfurt, "'appears on the balcony of the Kaisersal "'and is loudly acclaimed the new emperor. "'Oh, grusel, forgive my attitude of doubt. "'It is all as plain now as the Cathedral Tower. "'Still, there will be no civil war. "'And Cologne will gather up their troops and go home, "'once more defeated by a man cleverer "'and more unscrupulous than both of them put together. "'They are put infants in his hands. "'Have you any suggestion to make?' asked grusel. "'No, there is nothing to be done. "'You see, the young prince has no following. "'He is quite unknown in Frankfurt. "'His name can arouse no enthusiasm, "'and all in all, that strikes me as a very good thing. "'The Grand Duke Carl is popular, "'and I believe he will make a very good emperor. "'You mean, Roland, that the archbishop of Mayans "'will make a very good ruler, for he will be the real king?' "'Well, after all, Joseph, "'there is much to be said in favour of Mayans. "'He is a man who knows what he wants, "'and what is more gets it, "'and that, after all, is the main thing in life. "'If anyone could sway the archbishop "'he put his great talents to the benefit of his country, "'instead of thinking only of himself, "'what a triumph of influence that would be. "'By the three kings, I'd like to do it. "'I admire him, if I found opportunity, "'and could persuade him to join us in the relief of Frankfurt, "'and in opening the Rhine to commerce. "'We would give these inane merchants "'a lesson in organisation.' Grusel rose from his chair, poured out another tinkered full from the flagon, and drank it off. "'I must go down now and meet the guild,' he said. "'I have eaten nothing all day, "'and I'm as hungry as a wolf from the taunus.' "'Oh, how did you escape, by the way?' "'I didn't escape. "'I was led blindfolded into a tent "'where my bandage was removed, "'and here a man in ordinary dress "'questioned me concerning my object in entering the forest. "'I told him exactly the truth, "'and explained what we were trying to do in Frankfurt. "'I daresay I looked honest and rather stupid.' "'He asked when I set out and what direction I came. "'Questioning me with a great affectation of indifference, "'wanted to know if I had met many persons, "'and I told him quite truthfully. "'I met no one, but the man I understood was a forester, "'a keeper, I suppose.' "'There are a number of us,' he said, "'hunting the wild boar, and we do not wish "'the animal life of these woods to be disturbed. "'We shall not be here longer than a week. "'But I advise you to seek another spot "'for what timber you require.' "'He asked me, finally, "'if anyone in Frankfurt knew I had come to the forest, "'and I answered that the Guild of Twenty knew, "'and that we were all to meet tonight "'at the Ringgold Tavern to report.' "'He pondered for a while on the statement, "'and I suppose reached the conclusion "'that if I did not return to Frankfurt, "'might set out in the morning to search for me, "'and known that the forest is dangerous "'on account of wild boars. "'So, as if it were of no consequence, "'he blindfolded me again, "'apologizing privately for doing so, "'saying it was quite unnecessary "'in the first instance, but as the guard had done so, "'he did not wish to censure him by implication. "'I answered that it did not matter at all, "'but desired him to order my wrists released, "'which was done.' "'I must say,' commented Roland, "'that the archbishop of Mainz "'is well-served by his officers. "'Your examiner was a wise man.' "'Yes,' replied Grusel, "'but, nevertheless, I am telling my story here in Frankfurt. "'No difference for that, because, as I have said, "'we can do nothing. Still, "'it is a blessing your examiner could not "'guess what you overheard in the other tent. "'He let you go thinking you had seen "'or learned nothing, and in doing so "'warded off a search party tomorrow.'" End of Chapter 22 Recording by Campbell Shelp Chapter 23 of The Swordmaker This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Campbell Shelp. The Swordmaker by Robert Barr. Chapter 23 A Secret Marriage "'Blessed is he that expects nothing, "'for he shall not be disappointed.' Roland walked with Grusel across the bridge and through the streets to the entrance of the Reingold, and there stopped. "'I shall not go down with you,' he said. "'You have given me much to think of, "'and I am in no mood for a hilarious meeting. "'Indeed, I fear I should "'but damp the enthusiasm of the lads. "'Continue your good work tomorrow, "'and report to me at my room.'" With this, Roland bade Grusel good night and turned away. He walked very slowly as far as the bridge, and there, resting his arms on the parapet, looked down at the dark water. He was astonished to realize how little he cared about giving up the emperorship, and he recalled, with a glow of delight, his recent talk in the garden with Hildengund and her assurance that she lacked all ambition to become the first lady in the land so long as they too spent their lives together. The bells of Frankfurt tolling the hour of ten aroused him from his reverie and brought down his thoughts from delicious dreams of romance to realms of reality. The precious minutes were passing over his head swiftly as the drops of water beneath his feet. There was little use of feeding Frankfurt if it must be given over to fire and slaughter. With a chill of apprehension, he reviewed the cold treachery of Mayans, willing to levy the horrors of civil war upon an already stricken city so long as his own selfish purposes were attained. And yet, he said to himself, there must be good in the man. I wish I knew his history. Perhaps he had to fight for every step he has risen in the world. Perhaps he has been baffled and defeated by deception, overcome by chisannery until his faith died within him. My faith would die within me, were it not that when I meet a Mayans I encounter also the virtue of a cologne and the bluff honesty of a Count Palatine. How marvellous is this world where the trickery of a curse-bould and against-been is cancelled by the faithfulness and to death of a grusel and an ebihard. Thus doth good balance evil, and then, and then, how heaven beams upon earth in the angel-glance of a good woman. God guide me a right, God guide me a right, he repeated fervently, and suppressed in me all anger and untaragableness. He walked rapidly across the bridge in the Sausenhausen, passed his room at the street corner and onto the monastery of the Benedictines, whose little chapel stood open night and day for the prayers of those in trouble or in sadness, habited only by one of the elder brothers, who gave if it were needed, advice, encouragement, or spiritual comfort. Removing his hat, the prince entered into the silence on Tipto, and kneeling before the altar, prayed devoutly for direction, asking the Almighty to turn the thoughts of his servant, Mayance, into channels that flowed towards peace and the relief of this unhappy city. As he rose to his feet, a weight lifted from his shoulders, and the buoyancy of youth temporarily overcame him on hearing of the army threatening Frankfurt. His plans were honest, his methods conciliatory, and the path now seemed clear before him. The monk in charge, who had been kneeling in a dark corner near the door, now came forward to intercept him. Will your highness deny me in the chapel as you did upon the bridge? Roland stopped, in the gloom he had not recognized the ghostly father. Father Ambrose, and I do now what I should have done then. I pray your blessing on the enterprise before me. My son, it is willingly given, the more willingly that I may atone in part my forgetting of the holy woods. Judge not, that ye be not judged. I grievously misjudged you, as I learned from both the archbishop and my kinswoman. I ask your forgiveness. I shall forgive you, Father Ambrose, if you make full, not partial atonement. The consequences of your mistake have proved drastic and far-reaching. The least of these consequences is that it has cost me the emperorship. Oh, moans the good man. Me culpa, me culpa. No penance put upon me can compensate for that disaster. You blame yourself over much, good father. The penance I have to impose will leave me deeply in your debt. Now to come from the least to the greatest of these results, so far as I am concerned. My marriage with your kinswoman, whom I love devotedly, is in jeopardy. Through her conviction that I was a thief, she braved the archbishop of Mayance, who imprisoned her, and now his lordship has determined that the Grand Duke Carl of Hess shall be emperor. Thus we arrive at the most important outcome of your error. Between the overwhelming forces of Mayance and the insufficient troops of Cologne and Treves, there may ensue a conflict causing the streets of Frankfurt to flow with blood. The pious man groaned dismally. I have a plan which will prevent this. The day after tomorrow I shall renounce all claim to the throne. But, being selfish, like the rest, I refuse to renounce all claim to the woman the archbishops themselves chose as my wife. Neither shall I allow the case to be made further the plating of circumstance. Your kinswoman, no later ago than this afternoon, confessed her love for me and her complete disregard of any position I may hold in this realm. Now, Father Ambrose, I ask you several questions. Is it in consonance with the rules of the church that a marriage be solemnized in this chapel? Yes. Are you entitled to perform the ceremony? Yes. Is it possible this ceremony can be performed tomorrow? Yes. Will you therefore attend to the necessary preliminaries of which I am vastly ignorant and say at what hour the Countess and I may present ourselves in this chapel? The archbishop of Cologne is guardian to her ladyship. Will you bring me his sanction? Father Ambrose, there is just the point. So far as concerns himself, I thought not that the archbishop is the most unambitious of men, but to the marriage of his ward with a sword-maker, I fear he would refuse consent which he would gladly give to a marriage with an emperor. The monk hung his head and pondered on the proposition. At last he said, Why not ask my lord the archbishop? I dare not venture. Too much is at stake. She might be carried away to any castle in Germany. Remember that Cologne has already acquiesced in her imprisonment and but that the iron chain of the false graft brought me to her prison door. The iron chain, do I say, was the hand of God that directed me to her. And now with the help of him who guided me, not all the archbishops in Christendom shall prevent our marriage. No, Father Ambrose, pile on yourself all the futile penances you can adopt. They are useless, for they do neither wrong you have committed and now good night to your reverence. The young man strode towards the door. My son, said the quiet voice of the priest, when you were on your knees just now, did you pray for remission from anger? Roland whirled round. Mia culpa, as you said just now. Father Ambrose, I ask your pardon. I made an unfair use of your mistake to coerce you. I was right in relating what your own eyes saw here in Frankfurt, and although the inference drawn was wrong you were not to blame for that. I recognized your scruples, but nevertheless protest that already I possessed the sanction of the archbishop which has never been withdrawn. Prince Roland, if you bring hither the Countess Fonsane tomorrow afternoon when the bell strikes three I will marry you and gladly accept whatever penances ensue. Your monk's robe has not crushed out all the impulses of the same blood in my case perhaps it has only covered them and now good night and God's blessing fall upon you and her you are to marry. Roland went directly from the chapel to his own room where he slept the sleep of one who has made up his mind. Nevertheless it was not a dreamless sleep for throughout the night he seemed to hear the tramp of armed men marching upon unconscious Frankfurt and this sound was so persistent that at last he woke yet still it continued springing up in alarm and flinging wide the wooden shutters of his window he was amazed to see that the sun was already high while the sound that disturbed him was caused by a procession of heavy footed horses dragging over the cobblestones carts well laden with farm produce having dressed and finished breakfast he wrote a letter to the archbishop of Mainz my lord archbishop there are some important proposals which I wish to make to the electors and as it is an unwritten rule that I should not communicate with them separately I beg of you to convene a meeting tomorrow in the Wallzimmer at the hour of midday perhaps it is permissible to add for your own information that while my major proposition has to do with the relief of Frankfurt the minor suggestions I shall make will have the effect of clearing away obstacles that at present obstruct your path and I venture to think that what I say will meet with your warmest approval it was so necessary that this communication should reach the archbishop as soon as possible that Roland became his own messenger and himself delivered the document at the archbishop's palace as he turned away he was startled by a hand being placed on his shoulder with a weight suggesting an action of arrest rather than a greeting of friendship he turned quickly and saw the lieutenant who had so discourteously used him in the square there was however no menace in the officer's countenance still thrusting your sword at people yes lieutenant and very harmlessly it is a bloodless combat I wage with the sword I praise its construction and leave to superiors like yourself sir the proving of its quality you are an energetic young man and we of Mayans admire competence whether shown by mechanic or noble was the letter you handed in just now addressed to his lordship yes lieutenant it will be quite without effect it grieves me to hear you say so sir take my advice and make no effort to see the archbishop until after the election I judge you to be a sane young fellow for whom I confess a liking you are the only man at Frankfort who has unhesitatingly told me the exact truth and I have not yet recovered from my amazement now when you return to your frugal room in Sachenhausen you do not attempt to reach it by mounting the stairs with one step naturally not lieutenant very well when the emperor is proclaimed come you to me I'll introduce you to my superior and he if impressed with your weapon will take you a step higher and thus you will mount until you come to an officer who may give you an astonishing order I thank you lieutenant and hope later to avail myself of your kindness the lieutenant slapped him on the shoulder and wished him good luck as Roland pushed his way through the crowd he said to himself with a sigh I regret not being emperor if only for the sake of young fellows like that Frankfort was transformed as if a magician has waved his wand over it the streets swarmed with people farmers vehicles of every description added to the confusion and Roland frowned as he noticed how badly organized had been the preparations for coping with this sudden influx of food but he also saw that the men of Mayans had taken a hand in the matter and were rapidly bringing method out of chaos the uniforms of cologne or treves were seldom seen while the quiet but firm soldiers of Mayans were everywhere ordering to their homes those already served and clearing the way for the empty handed at last Roland reached the palace of cologne through a square thronged with people within he found his mother and the Countess seated in a room whose windows overlooked the square watching the stirring scene presented to them having saluted his mother he greeted the girl with the quiet pressure of the hand what is the cause of all this commotion asked the empress Roland tapped his breast I am the cause mother and he related the history of the relief committee and if appreciation carries with it gratification his was the advantage of knowing that the two women agreed he was the most wonderful of men but indeed mother continued Roland I selfishly rob you of the credit the beginning of all this was really your gift to me of five hundred thawlers that time I came to crave your assistance in procuring me this document I still carry and without your thawlers and department this never could have happened so you see they have increased like the loaves and fishes of holy writ and thus feed the multitude Her Majesty arose smiling ah Roland she said kissing him you always gave your mother more credit than she deserved it rung my heart at the time that I was so scant of money then pleading fatigue the empress left the room Hilda cried the young man when you and I discuss things those things become true yesterday we agreed that the imperial throne was not so enviable a seat as a chair by the domestic hearth today I propose to secure the chair at the hearth and tomorrow I shall freely give up the imperial throne the girl uttered an exclamation that seemed partly concurrence and partly dismay but she spoke no word gazing at him intently as he strode up and down the room and listening with eagerness walking backwards and forwards looking like an enthusiastic boy he very graphically detailed the situation as he had learned it from Grusel now you see my dear any opposition to the archbishop of Mayance means a conflict and supposing in that conflict our friends were to win the victory would be scarcely less disastrous than defeat I at once made up my mind fortified by my knowledge of your opinion on the subject that for all the kingships in the world I could not be the cause of civil dissension that is a just and noble decision she said speaking for the first time then standing before her the young man in more moderate tone related what had happened and what had been said in the chapel of the benedictine fathers she looked up at him earnest face aglow during the first part of his recital and now and then the sunshine of a smile flickered at the corners of her mouth as she recognized her kinsman and her lover's repetition of his words but when it came to the question of a marriage her eyes to the floor and remained there well hilda he said at last have you the courage to go with me all unadvised all unchaperoned to the chapel this afternoon at three o'clock she rose slowly still without looking at him placed her hands on his shoulders then slipped them round his neck laying her cheek beside his it requires no courage rolling she whispered to go anywhere if you are with me I need to call up my courage only when I think with a shutter of our being separated some minutes elapsed before conversation was resumed where is the archbishop asked roland in belated manner remembering his host he and the count pelotine went out together about an hour since I think they were somewhat disturbed at the unusual commotion hard to know what it meant do you want to consult my guardian after all not unless you desire me to do so I wish only what you wish roland I am glad his lordship is absent let us to the garden hilda and discover a quiet exit if we can a stout door was found in the wall to the rear almost concealed with shrubbery the bolts were strong and rested in but the prowess of roland overcame them and he drew the door partially open it looked out upon a narrow alley with another high wall opposite roland looked up and down the lane and saw it was completely deserted this will do excellently he said shoving the door shut again but without thrusting the bolts into position he took her two hands in his dearest noblest sweetest of girls I must now leave you await me here at half past one I go out by the store for it is necessary I should know exactly where the alley joins the main street it would be rather embarrassing if you were standing here and father ambrose looking for us in the chapel all I was frantically searching for and not finding the lane sometime in advance of the hour set the impatient young man kept the appointment he had made and when the countess appeared exactly on the minute he held open the door for her then drawing it shut behind him they were both out in the city of frankfort together roland's high spirits were such that he could scarcely refrain from dancing along at her side I'd like to take your hand he said and swing it and show you the sights of the city as if we were two young people in from the country I am a country girl pleased to remember said the countess I know nothing of frankfort or indeed of any other large town I am glad of that for there is much to see in frankfort we will make for the cathedral that's beautiful red, built splendid and grand where we should have been married with great and useless ceremony if I had been crowned emperor but I am sure the simple chapel in the working town of Sachinhausen better suits a sword maker and his bride now they came out into the busy street which seemed more thronged than ever in making their way to the cathedral the mob became so dense that progression was difficult the current seemed setting in one direction and it carried them along with it Hildegund took the young man's arm and clung close to him they are driving us whether we will or no towards our old enemy the archbishop of Mayans that is his palace facing the square there is some sort of demonstration going on cried roland as cheer after cheer ascended to the heavens how grim and silent the palace appears all shuttered as if it were a house of the dead somehow it reminds me of Mayans himself I had pictured him occupying a house of gloom like that do you think we are in any danger? asked the girl the people seemed very boisterous oh no danger at all this mob is in the greatest good humor listen to their hearts during cheers the people have been fed that is the reason of it is that why they cheer? it sounds to me like an ovation to the archbishop listen to them long live Mayans God bless the archbishop there is no terror in those shouts nevertheless his lordship of Mayans had taken every precaution the shutters of his palace were tightly closed and along the whole front of the edifice a double line of soldiers was ranged under the silent command of their officers they stood still and stiffly as stone graven statues in front of a cathedral the cheers rang unceasingly then suddenly as if the sinister palace opened one eye shutters were turned away from a great window giving upon the portico above the door the window itself was then thrown wide cheering seized and in the new silence from out the darkness there stepped with great dignity an old man gorgeous in his long robes of office and surmounting that splendid intellectual head rested the mitered hat of an archbishop after the momentary silence the cheers seemed to storm the very door of the sky itself but the old man moved no muscle and no color tinged his wan face by the kings whispered roland during a temporary lull what a man there stands power embodied and yet I venture to his first taste of popularity I am glad we have seen this sight both mob and master how quick are the people to understand who is the real ruler of germany I wish he were my friend slowly the archbishop raised his open hands holding them for a moment in benediction over the vast assemblage once more the cheers died away and every head was bowed then the archbishop was in his place no longer unseen hands closed the windows and a moment later the shutters blinded it the multitude began to dissolve and the two wanderers found their way become clearer and clearer together they entered the empty red cathedral and together knelt down in a secluded corner after some minutes passed thus roland remembered that the hour of two had struck while they were gazing at the archbishop gently he touched the hand of his companion they rose and walked slowly through the great church there he whispered is where the emperor is crowned the archbishop of mayance always performs that ceremony so after all there is some justification for his self-assumed leadership again out into the sunshine they walked to the far grass and then to the bridge where the countess paused with an expression of delight at the beauty of the waterside city glorified by the westering sun crossing the river and going down to the brockenstrasse of sachin hausen roland said referring to people who are not emperors that is my room at the corner where I lived when supposed to be in prison is that where you made your swords she asked no grusel's workshop and mine is farther along that side street it is a grimy shop of no importance but here on the other side we have an edifice that counts that low building is the benedictine monastery and this is its little chapel the countess made no comment but stood looking at it for a few moments until her thoughts were interrupted by the solemn tones of a bell striking three roland went up the steps and held open the door while she passed in then removing his hat he followed her End of Chapter 23 Chapter 24 of The Swordmaker this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by Campbell Shelp The Swordmaker by Robert Barr Chapter 24 Long Live Their Majesties The most anxious man in all Frankfurt was not to be found among the mighty who ruled the empire or among the merchants who trafficked therein or among the people who starved when there was no traffic the most anxious man was a small, fussy individual of great importance in his own estimation cringing to those above him denouncing those beneath her Dunberg, master of the Romer in other words, the keeper of the town hall the great masters whom this little master served were imperious and unreasonable they gave him too little information regarding their intentions yet if he failed in his strict duty towards them they would crush him as ruthlessly as if he were a wasp unhappy Dunberg every morning he expected the electoral court to be convened that day and every evening he was disappointed it was his first duty to lay out upon the table in that great room the casersall, a banquet to be partaken of by the newly made emperor and by the seven pontentates who elected him it was also his duty to provide two huge tinks of wine one containing the ruby liquor pressed out at Ostmanschausen the other the straw-coloured beverage that had made Hodgiem famous these tinks were connected by pipes with the plain unassuming fountains standing opposite the town hall in that square called the Romerberg the moment in election took place her Dunberg turned off the flow of water from the fountain and turned on the flow of wine thus for an hour and a half their port from the northward pointing spout the rich red wine of Ostmanschausen and from the southern spout the delicate white wine of Hodgiem now wine will keep for a long time but a dinner will not so the distracted Dernberg prepared banquet after banquet for which there were no consumers at last thought her Dunberg his vigilance was about to be rewarded there came up the broad winding stare to the landing on which opened the great doors of the casersall two joyous looking young people evidently lovers and with the hilt of his sword the youth knocked against the south panels of the door it was her Dunberg himself who opened and he said haughtily the Romer is closed and will not be free to strangers until after the election we enter nevertheless I am Prince Roland here to meet the court of electors who convene at midday in the adjoining wall-zimmer you, Romermeister will announce to their august lordships that I am here and when their will is expressed summon me to audience with them her Dunberg bowed almost to the polished floor and flinging open both doors retreated backwards still bent double as he implored them to enter locking the doors for the electors would reach the wall-zimmer through a private way to be used by none but themselves the bustling Dernberg produced two chairs which he set by the windows in the front and again running the risk of falling on his nose bowed his distinguished visitors to seats where they might entertain themselves by watching the enormous crowd that filled the Romerberg from end to end for every man in Frankfurt knew an election wasn't pending and it was after the banquet when the wine began to flow in the fountain that the new emperor exhibited himself to his people by stepping from the Kaiser's hall out upon the balcony in front of it do you feel any shyness about meeting this formidable conclave remember you have at least two good friends among them the girl placed her hand in his and looked affectionately upon him when you are with me Roland I am afraid of nothing I should not ask you to pass to this ordeal were it not for your guardian his astonishment at the announcement of our marriage will be so honest and enacted that even the suspicious mayants cannot accuse him of connivance in what we have done of course the strength of my position is that I have but carried out the formal requests of their three lordships a request which has never been rescinded before she could reply the hour of twelve rang forth the deferential her Dunberg entered from the wallzimmer and softly approached them your highness he said my lords the electors request your presence in the wallzimmer how many are there Romermeister there are four your highness the three archbishops and the count Palatine ah breathed Roland relieved that mayants had not called up his reserve and assured now that the seventh elector had not arrived with a glance of encouragement at his wife Roland passed into the presence her Dunberg anxious about the outcome showed an inclination to close the door and remain inside but a very definite gesture from mayants wafted the good man to outer regions mayants opened the proceedings yesterday I received a communication from your highness requesting me to convene this court I am as ignorant as my colleagues regarding the subjects to be placed before us I therefore announced to you that we are prepared to listen I thank you my lord of mayants began the prince very quietly when first I had the honour of meeting your three lordships in the castle of a renfils I signed certain documents and came to an agreement with you upon other verbal requests I am not yet a man of large experience but at that time although comparatively few days have elapsed I was a mere boy trusting in the good faith of the whole world knowing nothing of its chicanery since then I have been through a bitter school learning bitter lessons but I am nevertheless encouraged in that for every man of treachery and deceit there is two who are trustworthy pardon me said mayants swavley I did not understand that the discourse you proposed was to be a sermon if your theme is a lecture on morality I beg to remind you that this wallzimmer is a place of business and what you say is better suited to a chapel or even a church than to the election chamber of the empire I am sorry my lord said Roland Tumbly if my introduction does not meet your approval I assure to you that the very opposite was my intention my purpose is to show you why a change has come over me and in order once more I regret interrupting but the reason for whatever change has occurred can be of little interest to anyone but yourself you begin by making vague charges of dishonesty, treachery and what not against some person or persons unknown may I ask you to be definite is it your lordship's wish that I should mention names Cologne showed signs of uneasiness Travis looked in bewilderment from one to another of his colleagues the Count Palatine sat deeply interested his elbows on the table his massive chin supported by huge hands your highness is the best judge whether name should be mentioned or not said mayants quite calmly as if his withers were unwrung but you must see that if you hint at conspiracy and bafflement certain inferences are likely to be drawn since the time you speak of there has been no opportunity for you to meet your fellow men therefore these inferences are apt to take the color that references made to one or the other of the three personages you did meet I therefore counsel you either to abstain from innuendo or explain explicitly what you mean I the more willingly bow to your lordship's decision because it is characterized by that wisdom which accompanies every word your lordship utters I shall therefore designate good men and bad mayants gazed at the young man in amazement but merely said proceed sir on your perilous road I am the head of a gang of freebooters when this company left Frankfurt under my command we appeared to be all of one mind my gang consisted entirely of iron workers well set up young fellows in splendid physical condition yet before I was gone a day on our journey I found myself confronted by mutiny a man named Kurzbold was the leader of this rebellion a treacherous hound whom I sentenced to death the two who stood by me were gruesome and a burhard therefore I told you that when I met one villain I encountered two trustworthy men when did this happen? asked mayants and what was the object of your freebooting expedition hi heaven! cried the archbishop of Cologne unable longer to restrain his impatience when he saw the fatal trend of the prince's confession what madness has overcome you? can you not see the effect of these disturbing disclosures? the prince smiled and answered first the last question to the honest confession my lord of what may be considered a dishonest practice it is information that should be within your knowledge before you sit down to elect an emperor when did this happen my lord of mayants? he continued turning to the chairman it happened when you thought I was your prisoner in Ehrenfels never for a day did you hold me there I roamed the country at my pleasure I examined leisurely and effectively the defenses of nearly every castle on the Rhine from the town of Bonn to your own city of Mayants the object of our expedition you ask it was to loot the stolen treasure of the robber castles and incidentally it resulted in the destruction by fire of Furstenberg the marauding excursion ended at Falls where I lightened the Falls graph of his wealth and liberated the Countess von Sein unlawfully imprisoned within that fortress by the three kings cried the Count Palatine bringing his huge fists down on the table like the blow of a sledgehammer you are a man and I glory that it is my privilege to vote for you I agree with my brother of Cologne said Trevis speaking for the first time that this young man does not properly weigh the inevitable result of his terrible words I vote of course with my lord of Mayants but such a vote will be most reluctantly given for a self-confessed burglar and incendiary be not too hasty gentlemen counseled mayants we are not much here to cast votes your highness I complained a moment ago of lack of interest in your recital I beg to withdraw that plea after having heard you I agree that the Countess was unjustly imprisoned she was accurate in her estimate of your character I think not my lord I do not regard myself as burglar incendiary, thief or robber I call myself rather a restorer of stolen property I shed no blood which in itself is a remarkable feature of action so drastic as mine the incendiaryism was merely incidental forced upon me by the fact that the red margrave tied up 18 of my men whom he proposed presently to hang I diverted his attention from this execution by the first method that occurred to me namely the firing of his castle in my letter to you yesterday my lord I promise to clear away certain obstacles from your path I therefore remove one by saying that an object of this conference is my own renunciation of the emperorship thus while I think my lord count for his preferred franchise I quiet the mind of my lord of treviz by assuring him his defection has no terror for me and now my lord of mayants will you listen carefully to my suggestion Prince Roland replied his lordship almost with geniality I have never heard so graphic a narrator in my life proceed I beg of you when our band of cut purses set out from Frankfurt they supposed the gold was to be shared equally among us mutiny taught me to use the arts of diplomacy which I despise I hoped to attain such influence over them that they would agree to abjure wealth for the benefit of Frankfurt I am happy to say that I accomplished my object so that yesterday and today you have witnessed the results of my efforts the relief of a starving city I merely removed the wealth of robbers to benefit those whom they robbed knowing the dangerous feeling actuating this town against your lordships I caused proclamation to be made crediting this relief to the archbishops my lord of mayants when yesterday I saw you appear on your own balcony the most stern the most dignified figure I ever beheld when I heard the ringing cheers that greeted you when I realized as never before the majesty of your genius I cursed the stupid decree of fate that denied me your friendship what could we not have accomplished together for the fatherland I with my youth and energy under the tutelage of your wisdom and experience you tasted there probably for the first time in your life the intoxicating cup of popularity yet it affected you no more than if you had drunk of the fountain in the Romerberg now my lords here is what I ask of you and it will show how much I would have depended upon you had I been chosen to the position at first proposed to me I request of you my lord of trevis to remove your three thousand troops to the other side of the Rhine I shall do nothing of the sort blurted trevis amazed at the absurd proposal Roland went on and heeding I ask you my lord of cologne to march your troops to Ottoman Hagen you indeed babble like the boy you said you were cried the indignant cologne you show no grasp of statesmanship a faint smile quivered on the thin lips of Mayance at his colleagues ill disguised fear at leaving him the man on possession so far as Frankfort was concerned the naive proposal which angered his two brethren merely amused Mayance this young man's absurdity was an intellectual treat Roland smiled in sympathy as he turned towards him but his next words banished all expression of pleasure from the face of Mayance I hope to succeed better with you my lord of course I recognize I have no standing with this court since my refusal of the gift you intended to bestow I ask you to draft into this city seven thousand men then after a pause the seven thousand will not have far to march my lord he caught an expression almost a fear in the archbishop's eyes which were quickly veiled but his lordship's tone was as unwavering as ever when he asked what do you mean by that I mean that the city of Mayance is nearer to Frankfort than either cologne or trevis your geographical point is undeniable what am I to do with my ten thousand once they are here my lord I admire the rigid discipline of your men and estimate from that the genius of organization possessed by your officers a genius imparted I believe by you no one knows better than I the state of confusion which this effort at relief has brought upon the city I suggest that your capable officers divide the city into cantons proclaim martial law and deliver to every inhabitant rations of food as if each man, woman, and child were a member of your army meanwhile the merchants should be relieved of a task for which they have proved their incapacity and turn their attention to commerce this relief at best must be temporary the vital task is to open the Rhine the merchants will load every barge on the river with goods and this floaty at the armies of trevis and cologne will escort in safety to the latter city in passing they will deliver an ultimatum to every castle demanding a contribution in gold towards the further relief of Frankfort until commerce readjusts itself and assuring each nobleman that if this commerce is molested his castle shall be forfeited and himself imprisoned or hanged quite an effective plan I think your highness to which I willingly agree if you can assure me of the support of my two colleagues which I regret to say has already been refused his lordship looked from one to another but neither withdrew his declaration Prince Roland, continued mayance we seem to have reached a deadlock and I fear its cause is that distrust of one human being toward another that you deplored a while ago I confess myself however so pleased with the trend of your mind as exhibited in your conversation with us that I am desirous to know what further proposals you care to make now that our mutual good intentions have led us into an impasse willingly my lord I propose that you at once proceed to the election of an emperor for the delay in his choosing has already caused an anxiety and attention dangerous to the peace of the country that is easier said than done your highness having yourself eliminated the one on whom we were agreed it seems to me you should at least suggest a substitute again willingly my lord you should choose some quiet conservative man and if possible one well known to the citizens of Frankfurt and held in good esteem by the people everywhere he should be a man of middle age mayance his eyes began to close again and his lips to tighten and if he had some experience in government that would be all to the good one already married is preferable to a bachelor for then no delicate considerations regarding a woman can arise as I need not remind your lordship have arisen in my own case a man of common sense should be selected who would not make rash experiments with the ideals of the German people as a younger and less balanced person might be tempted to do that he should be a good churchman goes without saying a truce a truce cried mayance sternly again we are running into a moral catalog impossible of embodiment is there any such man in your mind or are you merely treating us to a council of perfection not withstanding my pessimism said Roland I still think so well of my countrymen as to believe there are many such not to make any recommendation to those so much better qualified to judge than I but merely to give a sample I mentioned the grand Duke Carl of Hess who fulfills every requirement I have named for what seemed to the onlookers a tense period of suspense the old man seated in the young man standing gazed intently at one another mayance knew at once that in some manner unknown to him the prince had fathomed his intentions that his highness alone knew why the election had been delayed yet the prince conveyed this knowledge directly to the person most concerned in the very presence of those who mayance desired to keep ignorant without giving them the slightest hint and then to the actual state of affairs the favorable opinion which the archbishop had originally formed of Roland and Erenfels during this conference became greatly augmented even the most austere of men is more or less susceptible to flattery and yet in flattering him Roland had managed to convey his own sincerity in this laudation we will suppose the grand Duke Carl elected mayance said at last what then why then my lord the three differing bodies of troops at present occupying Frankfurt would be withdrawn and the danger line crossed over to the right side mayance now asked a question that in his own mind was crucial once more he would tempt the young man to state plainly what he actually knew can your highness give us any reason why you fear danger from the presence of troops commanded by three friendly men like my colleagues and myself my fear is that the hands of one or the other of you may be forced and I can perhaps explain my apprehension better by citing an incident to which I have already alluded I had not the slightest intention of burning Castle Forstenberg but suddenly my hand was forced I was responsible for the safety of my men I hesitated not for one instant to fire the castle of the peaceful intentions of my lords the archbishops there can be no question but at any moment a street brawl between the soldiers say of cologne and trevis may bring on a crisis that can only be quelled by bloodshed do you see my point yes your highness I do and your point is well taken I repost such confidence in our future emperor that voluntarily I shall withdraw my troops from Frankfurt at once furthermore I shall open the Rhine by sending along its banks the ultimatum you propose not supported by my army but supported by the name of the Archbishop of Mainz and I shall be interested to know what bear and on the Rhine dare flout that title will you accept my aid Prince Roland I accept it my lord with deep gratitude knowing that it will prove effective his lordship rose in his place I said this was not an electoral court I rise to announce my mistake we electors here gathered together for my majority I propose to you the name of Prince Roland son of our late emperor my lord my lord cried Roland raising his hand you do not know all patient heaven cried the irritated archbishop you make too much of us as father confessors do not tell us now you have been guilty of assassination no my lord but you should know that I have married the lady Hildegund Countess von Sain whom you have already rejected as Empress well if you have accepted the dame the balance is redressed I am not sure but you made an excellent choice it was now the turn of the amazed Archbishop of Cologne to rise to his feet what his highness says is impossible the lady von Sain has been in my care ever since she entered Frankfurt and I pledge my word she has never left my palace we were married yesterday at three o'clock in the chapel of the Benedictine fathers and in the presence of four of them we left your palace my lord by a door which you may discover in the wall of your garden near the summer house and my wife is present in the adjoining room to implore your forgiveness Cologne collapsed into his chair and drew a hand across his bewildered brow the situation appeared to amuse mayants I wish your highness had withheld this information until I was sure that my brother of Trevis will vote with me as he promised my lord of Trevis you heard my proposition may I count on your concurrence Trevis's house of cards fell so suddenly to the ground that under the compelling eyes of mayants he could do no more than stemmer his acquisitions I vote for the prince he said in tones barely audible and you my lord of Cologne I said Cologne roughly the count Palantyne yes, thundered the latter a choice that meets my full approval and I speak now for the empress as well as the emperor Dernberg cried mayants raising his voice the doors were instantly opened and the cringing rumor meister appeared is the banquet prepared ready to lay on the table my lord the wine for the fountains needs but the turning of the tap my lord order up the banquet turn the tap and as the new emperor is unknown to the people cause heralds with trumpets to set out and proclaim the election of Prince Roland of Frankfurt yes my lord the archbishop of mayants led the way out into the grand kaiser hall and the new empress rose from her chair standing there her face white as the costume she wore mayants advanced to her bending his gray head over the hand he took in his own your majesty he said gravely and this was her first hint of the outcome I congratulate you upon your marriage as I have already congratulated your husband my lord archbishop she said in uncertain voice you cannot blame me for obeying you I think my poor commands would have been futile were it not for the assistance lent me by his majesty the salutations of the others were drowned by the cheers of the great assemblage in the Romerberg the red wine and white had begun to flow and the people knew what had happened in the intervals between the clanger of the trumpets they heard that a prince of their own town had been elected so all eyes turned to the Romer and cries of the emperor the emperor issued from every throat the multitude felt that a new day was dawning I believe said mayants that hitherto only the emperor has appeared on the balcony but today I suggest the president let's emperor and empress appear before the people he motions to her Dunberg and the latter flung open the tall windows then Roland taking his wife's hand stepped out upon the balcony End of Chapter 24 Recording by Campbell Shelp End of The Swordmaker by Robert Barr