hat she pleaded and argued with the Duke for
hours, seeking to avert the act which is bound to give pain to all of
us. He was obdurate, and threatened to carry complaint to Bolaroz, who
would instantly demand satisfaction. As the Duke is willing to die if
you are proved innocent, there was no other course left for her than to
dictate and sign this royal decree. Captain Dangloss, I am instructed
to give you these papers. One is the warrant for Mr. Lorry's arrest, the
other orders you to assume charge of him and to place him in confinement
until the day of trial."

While Quinnox was making this statement the accused stood with bowed
head and throbless heart. He did not see the captain's hand tremble as
he passed the documents to Dangloss, nor did he hear the unhappy sigh
that came from the latter's lips. Anguish, fiery and impulsive, was not
to be subdued.

"Is there no warrant for my arrest?" he demanded.

"There is not. You are at liberty to go, sir," responded Quinnox.

"I'd like to know why there isn't. I am just as guilty as Lorry."

"The Duke charges the crime to but one of you. Baron Dangloss, will you
read the warrant?"

The old chief read the decree of the Princess slowly and impressively.
It was as follows:

"Jacot, Duke of Mizrox, before his God and on his life, swears that
Grenfall Lorry did foully, maliciously and designedly slay Lorenz,
Prince of Axphain, on the 20th day of October, in the year of our Lord
189-, and in the city of Edelweiss, Graustark. It is therefore my decree
that Grenfall Lorry be declared murderer of Lorenz, Prince of Axphain,
until he be proved innocent, in which instance, his accuser, Jacot, Duke
of Mizrox, shall forfeit his life, according to the law of this land
providing penalty for false witness, and by which he, himself, has sworn
to abide faithfully.

"Signed: Yetive."

There was silence for some moments, broken by the dreary tones of the
accused.

"What chance have I to prove my innocence?" he asked, hopelessly.

"The same opportunity that he has to prove your guilt. The Duke must,
according to our law, prove you guilty beyond all doubt," spoke the
young captain.

"When am I to be tried?"

"Here is my order from the Princess," said Dangloss, glancing over the
other paper. "It says that I am to confine you securely and to produce
you before the tribunal on the 26th day of October."

"A week! That is a long time," said Lorry. "May I have permission to see
the si