n my own account, but
on that of my poor children and innocent connexions. If you are
disposed to give me a last proof of your love, you will on my behalf,
petition the queen that I may die in my prison and have an honorable
grave.'

'I will immediately speak with the prince,' said Rank. 'He was never
your enemy. His wife loves him more tenderly than one would suppose her
cold heart capable of loving. I hope to be able to render you this
service.'--He departed.

'I will throw myself at my father's feet,' cried Arwed, 'and never
cease my supplications until he shall promise me to aid in the
accomplishment of your last wish.--Oh, my God! that I cannot save you!
It is only through this infamous sentence that your purity has become
fully clear to me. Your blood be upon the heads of your unworthy
murderers.'

He strode forth. Goertz, however, folded his hands, raised his eyes to
heaven, and prayed with silent resignation.

CHAPTER XXIII.

Accompanied by the trusty Brodin, on the next day, Arwed stood
trembling as with a paroxysm of ague, in the ante-chamber of the hall
in which the royal council held its sittings. The chief clerk of the
council approached them with a protecting air.

'This is the young man of whom I spoke to you, my worthy friend,' said
Brodin to him, at the same time slipping a heavy purse into his hand;
'let me recommend him to your kindness.'

Brodin departed. The chief clerk led Arwed to the door which
communicated with the grand saloon, and opened it. 'Between the door
and the inner drapery,' said he, 'you can see and hear every thing that
takes place, without being observed. But remember my stipulation. Keep
yourself quiet, and if you are discovered, recollect that we have never
known each other, and that you slipped in here behind my back.'

'How can I possibly involve you in my fate?' answered Arwed, proceeding
to conceal himself in the designated lurking place.

'Not yet,' said the chief clerk, pulling him back: 'the lords of the
council must first assemble there, and might easily discover you as
they pass.'

At that moment the outer folding doors opened, and in their solemn
official dresses, in long, red velvet cloaks and red caps of the same
material, the loyal counsellors passed in couples through the
ante-chamber into the saloon. They were the counts Gyllenstierna,
Rhenskioeld, Stromberg, Horn, Cronhielm, Tessin, Meierfed and Moerner,
and the ba