Part 18 (1/2)
”The actual head,” persisted the prisoner. ”The position remained nominal only because the various occupants did not choose to exercise the authority vested in them. It is my pleasure to resume the function which has too long remained in abeyance, thus allowing inferior officers to pretend to a power which is practical usurpation, and which, according to the const.i.tution of our order, is not to be tolerated.
Disobey at your peril. I ask the Archbishop of Cologne, Duke of Westphalia, as the one, high va.s.sal of the Empire, as the other, my subordinate in the Fehmgerichte, to stand forth and salute his chief.”
Wilhelm's heart beat rapidly underneath his black cloak as he saw this spectacle of helpless prisoner defying a power, which, in its sphere of action, was almost omnipotent. It was manifest that the Emperor's trenchant sentences had disturbed more than one member of the convention, and even the Freigraf glanced in perplexity towards the supposed Archbishop of Treves as if for a hint anent the answer that should be given. As if in response to the silent appeal, Wilhelm rose slowly to his feet, while the examiner seated himself.
”It is my privilege,” he began, ”on behalf of my fellow members, to inform the prisoner that the Court of the Holy Fehm has ever based its action on the broad principles of eternal justice.”
A sarcastic smile wreathed the lips of the Emperor at this. Wilhelm went on unheeding.
”A point of law has been raised by the prisoner, which, I think, at least merits our earnest consideration, having regard for the future welfare of this organisation, and being anxious not to allow any precedent to creep in, which may work to the disadvantage of those who follow us. In order that our deliberations may have that calm impartiality which has ever distinguished them, I ask unanimous consent to my suggestion that the prisoner be taken back to his cell until we come to a decision regarding the matter in dispute.”
This proposition being agreed to without a dissenting voice, the prisoner was removed from the room and the eyes of all the judges were turned towards Wilhelm. The Freigraf was the first to break the silence.
”Although I have agreed to the removal of the prisoner,” he said, ”yet I see not the use of wasting so many words on him. While there is undoubted wisdom in winning to our side the man who controls the army, there seems to me little to gain in prolonging discussion with the Emperor, who is a nonent.i.ty at best, and has no following. The path to the throne must be cleared, and there is but one way of doing it.”
”Two, I think,” murmured Wilhelm.
”What other than by this prisoner's death?”
”His abdication would suffice.”
”But, as you know, he has already refused to abdicate.”
”Ah, that was before he saw the executioner standing here. I think he is now in a condition to reconsider his determination. Thus we will avoid discussion of the knotty points which he raised, and which I, for one, would prefer to see remain where they are. The moment he consents to abdicate, the commander of the forces is willing to swear allegiance to us. It must not be forgotten that even if we execute these two men we have still the troops who hold the city of Frankfort to reckon with, and although their leader may have disappeared, the young man has some st.u.r.dy lieutenants who will give us trouble.”
”What do you propose?” asked the Freigraf.
”If the colleague at my left will accompany me, we will visit the prisoner and may have some proposals to submit to you on our return.”
This being acceded to, the two left the Judgment Chamber and proceeded slowly to the cell of No. 13. On the way thither Wilhelm said to his companion:
”As the prisoner may be on his guard if we enter together, I prefer to sound him first alone, and at the proper moment, if you stay outside the door of the cell, I shall summon you to enter.”
This meeting the sanction of Wilhelm's companion, the young man entered the cell alone, carefully closing the door behind him.
”Your Majesty,” he whispered, ”the situation is extremely critical, and I entreat you to maintain silence while I make explanation to you. I am Wilhelm, the loyal commander of the Imperial forces, your Majesty's most devoted servant.”
”Are you then,” said the amazed monarch, ”also a member of the Fehmgerichte? I thought you came here as a prisoner, and, like myself, a victim.”
Wilhelm drew off over his head the cloak which enveloped him, leaving his limbs free, standing thus in his own proper person before the Emperor.
”I was, indeed, a prisoner, and was visited in my cell by the Archbishop of Treves. It was in his robe that I emerged from my cell undetected, hoping to escape and bring rescue to your Majesty, but other brethren were awaiting me outside, and I found myself compelled to sit in the Court before which you made such an able defence.”
”It was you, then, who proposed that I should be taken back to my cell?”
”Yes, your Majesty. And now a colleague remains outside this door, who waits, expecting a summons to enter, but first I came to give warning to your Majesty that you may make no outcry, if you should see what appears to be two brothers of the order struggling together.”
”I shall keep strict silence. Is the Archbishop of Treves then a prisoner in your cell?”
”He is, I a.s.sure you, a fast prisoner.”