Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1900-06-05
NUMBER %.

the count. A thousand more were
within call OF the castle bell. Two
lances only were at the back OF the
messenger. but the strength OF the
empire was betokened by the symbol
on his breast. my orders are 10 take
back your answer 10 his imperial mai
esty." replied the messenger calmly.
The count. though hot headed. was no
fool. and he stood for moment pom
dering on the words which the knight
OF Ehrenburg had spoken on taking
his leave:
Let not the crafty archbishop EN-
broll you with the emperor"
This warning had been the cautious
warriors parting advice TO him.
III you will honor my humble roof"
said the count slowly, by taking re-
freshment under IL / shall be glad OF
your company afterward TO Frankfort
In obedience TO his majesty's COM
mands."
The messenger bowed low, accepted
the hospitality. and together they
made way across the Moselle and
along the Roman road TO the capital
WithlE the walls Of Frankfort the
count was lodged In rooms near the
palace. 10 which his conductor guided
him. and. although II was still held
that he was not prisoner. an armed
man paced TO and fro before his door
all night The day following his ar
rival Count Winneburg was summoned
10 the court and In large anteroom
found himself one OF numerous
throng. conspicuous among them all
by reason u his great height and bulk.
The huge hall was hung with tapestry
and AT the farther end were great cur
tains. AT each edge Of which stood
half dozen armored men. the detach-
ments being under command or two
gayly uniformed officers. Occasional
ly the curtains were parted by menials,
who stood there 10 perform that duty.
and high mobiles entered or came out
slngly and IN groups Down the sides
OF the hall were packed some hun
dreds OF people. chattering together
for the most part and gazing NJ those
who passed up and down the open
space In the center
The count surmIsed that the en-
peror held his court In whatever apart
mept was behind the crimson curtains.
He felt the eyes OF the multitude upon
him and shifted uneasily from one foot
10 another. cursing his Ungainllness,
ashamed OF the tlngling Of the blood
In his cheeks. He was out OF place Ia
this laughing. talking crowd. expert
encing the sensations OF an uncoutb
rustic suddenly thrust into the tur-
moil OF a metropolis. resenting bitterly
the supposed sneers that were flung NJ
him. He suspected that the whisper
Ing and the ggglIng were directed to-
ward himself and burned 10 draw bis
sword and let these popinjays know
FOR once what man could do. AS a
matter Of fact. II was a buzz Of adj
mlratIon At his stature which went
up when be entered but the count had
so little OF self conceit IN his soul that
he never even guessed the truth. Two
mobiles passing near him. he beard one
Of them say distinctly:
THAT Is the fellow who threw the
archbishop over his head" while the
other. glanclng at him. said:
"By the coat. he seems capable OF
upsettlng the three OF them. and |
for one wish more power TO his muscle
should be attempt H."
The count shrank against the tapes
tried walls. hot with anger, wishing
himself dwarf that he might escape
the gaze OF so many inquiring eyes.
Just as the scrutiny was becoming
unbearable his companion touched him
on the elbow and said In low voice:
Count WInneburg. follow me-"
He held aside the tapestry 1t the
back Of the count. and that noble,
nothing loath. disappeared from view
hahlnd H.
Iro BE CONTINUED