d the mitered hat of an Archbishop. After the
momentary silence the cheers seemed to storm the very door of the sky
itself, but the old man moved no muscle, and no color tinged his wan
face.

"By the Kings," whispered Roland, during a temporary lull, "what a man!
There stands power embodied, and yet I venture 'tis his first taste of
popularity. I am glad we have seen this sight, both mob and master. How
quick are the people to understand who is the real ruler of Germany! I
wish he were my friend!"

Slowly the Archbishop raised his open hands, holding them for a moment
in benediction over the vast assemblage. Once more the cheers died away,
and every head was bowed, then the Archbishop was in his place no
longer. Unseen hands closed the windows, and a moment later the shutters
blinded it. The multitude began to dissolve, and the two wanderers found
their way become clearer and clearer.

Together they entered the empty, red Cathedral, and together knelt down
in a secluded corner. After some minutes passed thus Roland remembered
that the hour of two had struck while they were gazing at the
Archbishop. Gently he touched the hand of his companion. They rose, and
walked slowly through the great church.

"There," he whispered, "is where the Emperor is crowned. The Archbishop
of Mayence always performs that ceremony, so, after all, there is some
justification for his self-assumed leadership."

Again out into the sunshine they walked to the Fahrgasse, and then to
the bridge, where the Countess paused with an expression of delight at
the beauty of the waterside city, glorified by the westering sun.
Crossing the river, and going down the Bruckenstrasse of Sachsenhausen,
Roland said:

"Referring to people who are not Emperors, that is my room at the
corner, where I lived when supposed to be in prison."

"Is that where you made your swords?" she asked.

"No; Greusel's workshop and mine is farther along that side street. It
is a grimy shop of no importance, but here, on the other side, we have
an edifice that counts. That low building is the Benedictine monastery,
and this is its little chapel."

The Countess made no comment, but stood looking at it for a few moments
until her thoughts were interrupted by the solemn tones of a bell
striking three. Roland went up the steps, and held open the door while
she passed in, then, removing his hat, he followed her.

XXII

LONG LIVE THEIR MAJESTIES

The most anxious man