"Ei, youth, youth! How nicely it accommodates itself to circumstances!" said the chancellor; "but my worthy friend, you must know that so soon as the Duke summoned the town, and had the _animum possidentis_, every thing within its walls belonged to him. Therefore, any conspiracy against his royal person, becomes high treason immediately. The prisoner Dieterich von Kraft held very dangerous language to the people." "Impossible! it is quite contrary to his manner and principles. My Lord Duke, it cannot be!" "Albert!" said the Duke in earnest, "we have had much patience in hearing what you have to say; but it can do your friend no good. Here is the protocol. The chancellor had examined witnesses before I came, and every thing is proved as clear as day. We must make an example. The chancellor is perfectly right; therefore I cannot hold out any act of grace in the prisoner's favour." "But allow me to ask him and the witnesses one question--only a few words," said Albert. "That is against all forms of justice," said the chancellor; "I must protest against it; it is an infringement on my office." "Let it be, Ambrosius," said the Duke. "He may ask a question, with all my heart, of the poor sinner, who has no chance of escape." "Dieterich von Kraft," said Albert, addressing the prisoner, "how came you to be in Stuttgardt?" The forlorn scribe, whom death seemed already to have made his prey, turning his eyes towards him, his teeth chattering from fear, was scarcely able to mutter a word in answer. "I was sent here by the council of Ulm, as secretary to the governor." "How was it that you appeared before the burghers of Stuttgardt, yesterday evening?" said Albert. "The governor ordered me to remind them of their duty and oath, should there, perchance, be an insurrection against the League." "Don't you perceive, he was only acting under orders?" said Albert, turning to the Duke. "Who took you prisoner?" he continued with the examination. "The man standing beside you." "Did you take this gentleman into custody? then you must have heard what he said; what did he say?" said Albert to the man. "Yes, I heard what he said," answered the burgher; "he had spoken but six words, when burghermaster Hartmann threw him down from the bank. I remember what they were, namely: 'Recollect, my friends, what will the illustrious council of the League say!' That was all, and then Hartmann took him by the collar. But there stands Doctor Calmus, who made a longer speech."