ion by the Rath appointed
to investigate his case--the Rath having the power to call all witnesses,
and to examine them, singly, or otherwise, as he thought proper; that on
every Thursday the "Rathsherrn" met in conclave; that each Rath brought
forward the particular cases which he had investigated, explained all
their bearings, attested his report by documentary evidence prepared by
his secretary, and pronounced his opinion as to the amount of punishment
to be inflicted. The question was then decided by a majority.

On the third day, I was suddenly summoned before the Rath, and found
myself side by side with my accuser. He was in private clothes.

"Herr Tuci," exclaimed the Rath, trying to pronounce my name, but utterly
disguising it, "you have misinformed me. The constable says he did not
_knock_ your hat off--he only _pulled_ it off."

I adhered to my statement. The Polizeidiener nudged my elbow, and
whispered, "Don't be alarmed--it will not go hard with you."

"Now, constable," said the Rath; "what harm have you suffered in this
affair?"

"My uniform is stained with blood."

"From _my_ head!" I exclaimed.

"From _my_ nose," interposed the Polizeidiener.

"In any case it will wash out," said the Rath.

"And you," he added, turning to me,--"are you willing to indemnify this
man for damage done?"

I assented; and was then removed.

On the following morning I was again summoned to the Rath's chamber. His
secretary, who was alone, met me with smiles and congratulations: he
announced to me the sentence--four days' imprisonment. I am afraid I did
not evince that degree of pleasure which was expected from me; but I
thanked him, was removed, and, in another hour, was reconducted to
Punishment Room No. 1.

The four days of sentence formed the lightest part of the adventure. My
mind was at ease: I knew the worst. Additions to my old companions had
arrived in the interval. We had an artist among us, who was allowed, in
consideration of his talents, to retain a sharp cutting implement
fashioned by himself from a flat piece of steel--knives and books being,
as the most dangerous objects in prison, rigidly abstracted from us. He
manufactured landscapes in straw, gummed upon pieces of blackened wood.
Straw was obtained, in a natural state, of green, yellow, and brown; and
these, when required, were converted into differently-tinted reds, by a
few hours' immersion in the Kiefel. He also kneaded bread in the