y which was now urging his indictment
before a court on a charge of treason.

"Do you know the purport of this letter?" he asked.

"Certainly. The Heir Cabinetsrath chose to give it to me unsealed."

"And what do you advise?"

"I second his request."

A convulsive twitching passed over Sonnenkamp's face.

"Prudent, very prudent," he said to himself. "You wish to banish me,
and retain my estate."

A horror began "to creep over him as he saw a vision of himself seated
in prison; but he drove it off.

"So you are of the same opinion?"

"Yes. But, before you leave for any length of time, allow me to point
out a means by which you may earn new honors for us both."

"Is there such a means?"

"Yes. I have already told you that there is another faction, quiet but
powerful, which is ours, and we, or, rather, you, have the means of
binding it to you yet more closely."

And now Pranken told how he had promised to be present, almost
immediately, at a council held by the nobles of this ecclesiastical
province (which extended beyond the limits of the principality), in the
archiepiscopal palace. The proceedings of this convocation were to be
strictly confidential. Its object was to confer on the ways and means
of rendering the Pope military assistance.

"You do not intend entering the papal army?" asked Sonnenkamp.

"I would, if I were not bound by the ties of duty, of honor, of love,
to remain here at my post."

"That is fine, very fine. Excuse my interruption. And why do you impart
this to me? I am not of the nobility, and have no place in this
council."

"You belong to them, and will be present."

"I belong to them? I shall be present?"

"I will be brief. You will give a sum sufficient for the formation of a
regiment, and I can assure you, I have security for your being not only
unmolested, but crowned with honors."

"And, having given the money, can I remain here in honor?" Sonnenkamp
said with a smile.

"It would be better, if you were absent for a time."

A look of exultation passed over the face of the questioner. This was
better still, he thought. They wished to deprive him at once of a
portion of his property, and to get rid of him, into the bargain. He
looked at Pranken with an expression of great friendliness, and said,--

"Excellent! Does the priest of this parish know of this?"

"No. I have won over the Dean of the cathedral, though?"

"Will you allow me to send for the Priest?"

"Certainl