"So says the law," said Sir Archibald, after reflecting for a moment,--"but rather more in scorn than seriously, I should judge, since no one was ever known to claim the benefit of it." "The prouder boast for him," said the functionary, "that shall be the first to demand the honours due to a sharp sword and a clean stroke. I, Francis Steinernherz, will be the first noble of my profession, when I shall have despatched one more knight of the Empire." "Thou hast been ever in _my_ service, hast thou not?" demanded De Hagenbach. "Under what other master," replied the executioner, "could I have enjoyed such constant practice? I have executed your decrees on condemned sinners since I could swing a scourge, lift a crowbar, or wield this trusty weapon; and who can say I ever failed of my first blow, or needed to deal a second? Tristrem of the Hospital, and his famous assistants, Petit André and Trois Eschelles, are novices compared with me in the use of the noble and knightly sword. Marry, I should be ashamed to match myself with them in the field practice with bowstring and dagger; these are no feats worthy of a Christian man who would rise to honour and nobility." "Thou art a fellow of excellent address, and I do not deny it," replied De Hagenbach. "But it cannot be--I trust it cannot be--that when noble blood is becoming scarce in the land, and proud churls are lording it over knights and barons, I myself should have caused so much to be spilled?" "I will number the patients to your excellency by name and title," said Francis, drawing out a scroll of parchment, and reading with a commentary as he went on,--"There was Count William of Elvershoe--he was my assay-piece, a sweet youth, and died most like a Christian." "I remember--he was indeed a most smart youth, and courted my mistress," said Sir Archibald. "He died on St. Jude's, in the year of grace 1455," said the executioner. "Go on--but name no dates," said the Governor. "Sir Miles of Stockenborg"---- "He drove off my cattle," observed his excellency. "Sir Louis of Riesenfeldt"--continued the executioner. "He made love to my wife," commented the Governor. "The three Yung-herren of Lammerbourg--you made their father, the Count, childless in one day." "And he made me landless," said Sir Archibald, "so that account is settled.--Thou needest read no further," he continued: "I admit thy record, though it is written in letters somewhat of the reddest. I had counted these three young gentlemen as one execution." "You did me the greater wrong," said Francis; "they cost three good separate blows of this good sword." "Be it so, and God be with their souls," said Hagenbach. "But thy ambition must go to sleep for a while, Scharfgerichter, for the stuff that came hither to-day is for dungeon and cord, or perhaps a touch of the rack or strappado--there is no honour to win on them."