y 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. 'Tis 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 Mayence admire competence
whether shown by mechanic or noble. Was the letter you handed in just
now addressed to his Lordship?"

"Yes, Lieutenant."

"'Twill 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 in 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 Sachsenhausen 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 had 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 Mayence 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
Mayence 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