ohannes, scornfully, 'comes not into the account
in the reckoning of kings. Here we can only speak respecting the
restitution of money. Therefore shut me up in an iron cage as Tamerlane
did Bajazet, take me through the neighboring countries and show me for
money--you will make more out of me in that way than the whole siege
has cost.'

The whole assembly broke out into a loud cry of astonishment and
displeasure at the unparalleled insolence of the criminal, whose life
hung upon the nod of his judge.

The latter was paralyzed by the extent of the monster's profligacy. He
soon however recovered himself, and silently viewed him for a long time
with a horrible smile upon his countenance.

'My God!' murmured Alf, when he saw that smile; 'this will end
tragically.'

'Thou hast advised well, wise Solomon,' said the bishop with great
calmness. 'Be it done to thee according to thy words. Deliver up your
prisoner to the constable of the castle,' he commanded Alf. 'Let him be
confined in the murderer's cell until further orders--and do you convey
to the smiths of Munster my command that they immediately make three
iron cages of a man's height. Therein shall this man and his coadjutors
be conducted round the land as he himself has desired, and be shown to
the people as they are accustomed to show wild beasts. What further is
to be done with the worthy trio, shall be duly pronounced at the proper
time in the criminal court.'

With unaltered pride Johannes suffered himself to be led forth by Alf.
The bishop dismissed the assembly. Only Oberstein remained with him,
and now Alf returned to announce that he had deposited his prisoner in
his dungeon.

'It was you who captured the hyaena who butchered my children for me,'
cried the bishop with horrible joy. 'I thank you for the opportunity to
avenge on him the blood of all his victims! Oh that he had more than
one life! Say, what reward do you desire for the deed!'

'Such a reward would be the price of blood,' thought Alf, 'and
therefore God preserve me from it.'

'Would you like a good military or civil office at my court?' asked the
bishop in his desire to express his gratitude.

'I am a protestant, most reverend sir,' answered Alf: 'and hope to die
in the evangelical faith; but if I may prefer a petition to you, I have
to request that you will permit me without ceremony or hindrance to
take my own and my wife's property to the place where I am to settle
myself.'

'Are you