nd bloodthirsty horde who made it a practice to set
upon and butcher peaceful neighbors. Charles was the protector of the
realm, and the Saxons were forced to bend under the weight of his
powerful arm. If Charles, however, did violence to the consciences of
his vanquished enemies, and converted them to Christianity with the
sword and mace, then Charles himself is not to be excused, for moral
freedom is expressly proclaimed by the spirit of Christianity."

"There is no doubt but that the Saxons were blundering fools for
rousing the lion by making inroads into Charles' domain. The
ultramontanes, are, however, in a similar situation. They have attacked
the giant Progress, and have themselves to blame for the consequences."

"The ultramontanes have attacked nobody," maintained Gerlach. "They are
merely asserting their own rights, and are not putting restrictions on
the rights of other people. But progress will concede neither rights
nor freedom to others. It is a disgusting egotist, an unscrupulous
tyrant, that tries to build up his own brutal authority on the ruins of
the rights of others."

"Still, it would have been far more prudent on the part of the
ultramontanes to keep quiet, seeing that their inferiority of numbers
cannot alter the situation. The indisputable rights of the ascendency
are in our days with the sceptre and crown of progress."

"A brave man never counts the foe," cried Gerlach. "He stands to his
convictions, and behaves manfully in the struggle."

"Well said!" applauded the banker, "And since progress also is forced
by the opposition of principles to man itself for the contest, it will
naturally beat up all its forces in defence of its conviction. Here we
are at the 'Key of Heaven,' where the ultramontanes are holding their
meeting. Let us go in, for the proverb says, _Audiatur et altera
pars_--the other side should also get a hearing."

They drew near to a lengthy old building. Over the doorway was a pair
of crossed keys hewn out of stone, and gilt, informing the stranger
that it was the hostelry of the "Key of Heaven," where, since the days
of hoar antiquity, hospitality was dispensed to pilgrims and
travellers. The principal hall of the house contained a gathering of
about three hundred men. They were attentively listening to the words
of a speaker who was warmly advocating the principles of his party. The
speaker stood behind a desk which was placed upon a platform at the far
end of the hall.