man, woman, and child were a member of your army. Meanwhile the
merchants should be relieved of a task for which they have proved their
incapacity, and turn their attention to commerce. This relief at best
must be temporary. The vital task is to open the Rhine. The merchants
will load every barge on the river with goods, and this flotilla the
armies of Treves and Cologne will escort in safety to the latter city.
In passing they will deliver an ultimatum to every castle, demanding a
contribution in gold towards the further relief of Frankfort, until
commerce readjusts itself, and assuring each nobleman that if this
commerce is molested, his castle shall be forfeited, and himself
imprisoned or hanged."

"Quite an effective plan, I think, your Highness, to which I willingly
agree, if you can assure me of the support of my two colleagues, which I
regret to say has already been refused."

His Lordship looked from one to another, but neither withdrew his
declaration.

"Prince Roland," continued Mayence, "we seem to have reached a deadlock,
and I fear its cause is that distrust of one human being toward another
that you deplored a while ago. I confess myself, however, so pleased
with the trend of your mind as exhibited in your conversation with us,
that I am desirous to know what further proposals you care to make, now
that our mutual good intentions have led us into an impasse."

"Willingly, my Lord. I propose that you at once proceed to the Election
of an Emperor, for the delay in his choosing has already caused an
anxiety and a tension dangerous to the peace of this country."

"Ah, that is easier said than done, your Highness. Having yourself
eliminated the one on whom we were agreed, it seems to me you should at
least suggest a substitute."

"Again willingly, my Lord. You should choose some quiet, conservative
man, and, if possible, one well known to the citizens of Frankfort, and
held in good esteem by the people everywhere. He should be a man of
middle age--" Mayence's eyes began to close again, and his lips to
tighten--"and if he had some experience in government, that would be all
to the good. One already married is preferable to a bachelor, for then
no delicate considerations regarding a woman can arise, as, I need not
remind your Lordship, have arisen in my own case. A man of common sense
should be selected, who would not make rash experiments with the ideals
of the German people, as a younger and less balance