The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1839-08-07

you WILL" added the young noble. who saw
that the stern brother was about to interrupt
him" TO me he hath ever been kind one.
! Cursed be the hour in which became your
associate--in which bartered my liberty for
your empty honors! renounced your band
OF blood, and claim my liberty. Ulrch Is my
friend, and shall not perish"
"Count Of Wolfenstein! !" exclaimed the
elder, rising with dignity, :" can feel for the
agony Of the friend, but must still perform my
duty. Resistance on your part were as mad
as useless. Once let me proclaim my rank
as chief of the ee-judges, not one Of all your
followers would raise sword in your defence,
even should demand your life in place Of
your degenerate cousins. My retinue, con-
sisting Of sworn brothers, are ready to per-
form my will. Painful as our mutual posi-
ton Is, it is the result of circumstances over
which we have no control. Perform your
duty, as | am resolute in the execution of
mine."
horn sounded at the gate Of the castle, as
the speaker concluded; the seneschal, in
lew moments afterwards, entered the apart
ment, and announced the arrival Of Count
Ulrich.
Your answer" demanded the chief of the
vheme, drawing forth the mysterious abacus,
the ensign ofhis authority, as he spoke.
DO as you please" murmured the Count
Of Wolfensten. 81 am unable to dispute my
destiny but must it be this very night, and
mere IN these halls, where he hath ever been a
welcome guest 7"
ms very hour" answered the stern Judge.
ouidst thou that he should first break thy
bread and drink OF thy cup? and them
Not Tor worlds y interrupted the Count
OF Wolfenstein. "Let me not add the sin
OF violated hospitality to blood. The cham
Der shall be prepared, the victim summoned.
Herman tarries long," muttered the wea-
ny Ulrich, as he strobe impatiently up and
down the wide hall Of his Cousins CASTLE
g was not used to meet so slight attendance.
No NATTER he added, bitterly, 81 was then
the courted and powerful Ulrich, The first Of
Suabia's mobiles. What am now? A hunted
outlaw--the empires ban upon me 7"
Two servitors, plainly dressed, bearing
torches Of the mountain pine, entered the hall,
and informed him they were commanded to
attend him to the presence Of his friend
"'Tis strange" muttered Ulrich, glancing
suspiciously at their habits, such are not the
liveries Of Wolfenstein. Are you the born
casual servtors ~
g We are the attendants Of his guest. who
sojonrns with him ?"
The men threw open the doors of the hall,
as they spoke, and Ulrich followed them from
the apartment.
On entering the room to which he was con-
ducted Ulrich, bold as he was by nature, start
ed. He beheld the black banner Of the Vhehe
planted in the centre Of the room, and twelve
judges, each armed with cord, ready to exc
cute the fatal decree already pronounced
He felt that his hour was come.
I" Brothers of the Vheme Z" he cried, 81
am prepared to de-nor wish to avoid the
penalty have incurred but am noble-the
dagger, not the cord. Be satisfied with blood
mot add dishonor.'
:" The Vheme !" exclaimed masked Judge,
who, unarmed, stood before the banner, /" ex
tends not its mercy to those who fly from JUS
tice, or arraign its authority for such it de-
crees the cord and shame.'
AT this moment the Judges seized their VIC
tim, and one placed the fatal moose upon his
neck.
Wolfenstein |" lrantically exclaimed the
struggling victim, g is this thy friendship ?"
"Receive its gft!' exclaimed the judge
nearest to him, al the same time plunging a
dagger in his heart. " 1t frees thee from dis
honor"
The speaker raised his mask as he spoke.
The dying man seized the hand of his execu.
toner and friend and pressed it to his lips.
Thanks, thanks !" he murmured. die
no felon's death. The hand Of Wofenstein
has saved my honorw