a scale
hitherto unknown in any land. I believe, and did my best to inculcate
that belief in others, that we are on the verge of an age of iron, and,
knowing your skill, I am privileged to offer each of you the
superintendency of a department, with compensation never before given so
lavishly in Germany. I am also induced to believe that the new Emperor
will bestow a title on each of you who desire such honor, so that there
can be no question of your right to wear a sword. Greusel, you must
receive reports from each of our food scouts, and I shall be glad to
know the outcome, if you take the trouble to call upon me any hour after
nine o'clock at night, at my old room in Sachsenhausen. And now,
good-night, and good-luck to you all."

Roland went over the bridge, and so reached his room on the other side.
He glanced around several times to satisfy himself he was not spied
upon, and laughed at the apprehension of the Archbishop. Entering his
room, he lit a lamp, took off his cloak and flung it on the bed, then
unbuckled his sword-belt and hung it and the weapon on a peg, placing
his cloak above them. He was startled by a loud knock at the door, and
stood for a moment astonished, until it was repeated with the stern
warning:

"Open in the name of the Archbishop!"

The young man strode forward, drew back the bolt, and flung open the
door. An officer, with two soldiers behind him, came across the
threshold, and at the side-motion of the officer's head a soldier closed
and bolted the door. Roland experienced a momentary thrill of
indignation at this rude intrusion, then he remembered he was a
mechanic, and that his line must be the humble and deferential.

"You came to-night from the Imperial Palace. What were you doing there?"

"I was trying to gain admission, sir."

"For what purpose?"

"I wished," said Roland, rapidly outlining his defense in his own mind,
"I wished to see some high officer; some one of your own position, sir,
but was not so fortunate as to succeed. I could not pass the sentries
without a permit, which I did not then possess, but hope to acquire
to-morrow."

"Again I ask, for what purpose?"

"For a purpose which causes me delight in meeting your excellency."

"I am no excellency. Come to the point! For what purpose?"

"To show the officer a sword of such superior quality that a man armed
with it, and given a certain amount of skill, stands impregnable."

"Do you mean to tell me you went to the