urveyed the mean table and wooden stool which composed all the
furniture in the dwelling-place of the once all-powerful prime
minister. At length a confused noise was heard without, and from the
midst of the crowd of soldiers by whom he was surrounded, the worthy
Goertz entered the room. He was accompanied by lieutenant general Rank
and the pastor Conradi, A clerk of the court followed, who remained
upon the threshold with a timepiece in his hand, while the gaoler
bolted the door behind him on the outside.

Georgina rushed with a loud scream to meet her father, pressing his
chained hand to her lips.

'Behold, my Georgina,' said the old man encouragingly, 'a joyful moment
after so many sad days! God disposes all things for the best. But you
must not weep, my daughter. Your tears move me powerfully, and I have
need of repose. I am harassed in mind as well as in body. Standing up
through a six hours' examination has much weakened me.'

'How!' asked Arwed indignantly, 'did they not allow you to be seated?'

'I requested it,' answered Goertz, sinking down upon his wooden stool,
'but the lords were of opinion that they could not allow a man like me
to sit in their presence. The words were yet harder than the refusal
itself. But let that pass. What is your sister about, Georgina? She is
well? Why did you not bring her with you?'

'The permission was only allowed to myself and Arwed,' said Georgina.
'They would not allow the child to come in, and I was compelled to send
her back from the door.'

'They are very strict with me in every respect,' said Goertz, 'whilst
they permit themselves every latitude to my disadvantage. This day's
examination furnishes sufficient proof of this.'

'I must hope, my old friend,' said Rank much moved, 'that the
commission will allow you every legal and proper indulgence.'

'A copy of the accusation has never once been laid before me,' answered
Goertz. 'I begged that my process might not be overhastened. I begged
also for permission to make a written defence. Both were denied me. I
begged to be allowed the assistance of professional counsel. This legal
aid also, which every murderer enjoys, was withheld from me.'

'Unheard of!' cried Rank indignantly. 'The queen cannot refuse these
requests consistently with her own honor. I will speak to her about
it.'

'My good Rank,' said Goertz, extending his hand to him with a smile of
gratitude, 'put not yourself to any inconvenience on my account.