Having thus in a manner talked himself up to an idea of his own high authority, he cut the strings of the packet which he had all this while held in his hand, and, undoing the outer coverings, produced a very small case made of sandalwood. "The contents," he said, "had need to be valuable, as they lie in so little compass." So saying he pressed the spring, and the casket, opening, displayed a necklace of diamonds, distinguished by brilliancy and size, and apparently of extraordinary value. The eyes of the avaricious Governor, and his no less rapacious attendant, were so dazzled with the unusual splendour, that for some time they could express nothing save joy and surprise. "Ay, marry, sir," said Kilian, "the obstinate old knave had reasons for his hardihood. My own joints should have stood a strain or two ere I surrendered such sparklers as these.--And now, Sir Archibald, may your trusty follower ask you how this booty is to be divided between the Duke and his Governor, according to the most approved rules of garrison towns?" "Faith, we will suppose the garrison stormed, Kilian; and in a storm, thou know'st, the first finder takes all--with due consideration always of his trusty followers." "As myself, for example," said Kilian. "Ay, and myself, for example," answered a voice, which sounded like the echo of the esquire's words, from the remote corner of the ancient apartment. "'Sdeath! we are overheard," exclaimed the Governor, starting and laying his hand on his dagger. "Only by a faithful follower, as the worthy esquire observes," said the executioner, moving slowly forward. "Villain, how didst thou dare watch me?" said Sir Archibald de Hagenbach. "Trouble not yourself for that, sir," said Kilian. "Honest Steinernherz has no tongue to speak, or ear to hear, save according to your pleasure. Indeed, we must shortly have taken him into our counsels, seeing these men must be dealt upon, and that speedily." "Indeed!" said De Hagenbach; "I had thought they might be spared." "To tell the Duke of Burgundy how the Governor of La Ferette accounts to his treasurer for the duties and forfeitures at his custom-house?" demanded Kilian. "'Tis true," said the Knight; "dead men have neither teeth nor tongue--they bite not, and they tell no tales. Thou wilt take order with them, Scharfgerichter." "I will, my lord," answered the executioner, "on condition that, if this must be in the way of dungeon execution, which I call cellar practice, my privilege to claim nobility shall be saved and reserved to me, and the execution shall be declared to be as effectual to my claim, as it might have been if the blow had been dealt in broad daylight, with my honourable blade of office."