The young man left alone in the darkness felt a pleasure in being able to stretch his arms once more, and he paced up and down the narrow limits of his cell, wondering what the next move would be in this mysterious drama. In the Judgment Chamber he had abandoned all hope, and had determined that when the order was given to seize him he would pluck the dagger of the order from the inside of his doublet, and springing over the table, kill one or more of these illegal judges before he was overpowered. The sudden change in tactics persuaded him that something else was required of him rather than the death which seemed so imminent. It was palpable that several members of the Court at least were unacquainted with the designs of the master mind which was paramount in his prosecution. They had evinced surprise when the examiner had demanded postponement of the execution. There was something behind all this that betrayed the crafty hand of the Archbishop of Treves. He was not long left in doubt. The door of the cell opened slowly and the pale rays of a lantern illuminated the blackness which surrounded him. The young man stopped in his walk and awaited developments. There entered to him one of the cloak-enveloped figures, who might, or might not, be a member of the Holy Court. Wilhelm thought that perhaps his visitor was the examiner, but the moment the silence was broken, in spite of the fact that the speaker endeavoured to modulate his tones as the others had done, the young man knew the incomer was not the person who had questioned him. “We are somewhat loth,” the intruder began, “to cut short the career of one so young as you are, and one who gives promise of becoming a notable captain.” “What have you seen of me,” inquired Wilhelm, “that leads you to suppose I have the qualities of a capable officer in me?” The other did not reply for a moment or two; then he said slowly: “I do not say that I have seen anything to justify such a conclusion, but I have heard of your action in the Wahlzimmer, and by the account given, I judge you to be a young man of resource.” “I am indebted to you for the good opinion you express. It is quite in your power to set me free, and then the qualities you are kind enough to commend, may have an opportunity for development.” “Alas!” said the visitor, “it is not in my power to release you; that lies entirely with yourself.” “You bring comforting news. What is the price?” “You are asked to become a member of the Fehmgerichte.” “I should suppose that to be easily accomplished, as I am now a partaker of its hospitality. What else?” “The remaining proviso is that you take service, with his lordship, the Archbishop of Treves, and swear entire allegiance to him.” “I am already in the service of the Emperor.” “It has just been proven that you are not.” “How could the Archbishop expect faithful service from me, if I prove traitor to the one I deem my master?”