The Secret Societies Of The Middle Ages

" You are required to sign that document , and you will then be free , " observed the president . " And if I refuse 1 " demanded Charles . " Death is the only alternative , " answered the free count solemnly . " Know you whom you thus threaten ? Are you aware whose life you thus dare to menace 1 " cried the prisonerdrawing himself up

, to his full hei ght , and speaking with an air of proud authority . " We know all , " replied the free count , laconically . " It is not for us to implore or beseech ; our function is to command . Nevertheless , I , the free count of this tribunal , earnestly pray you to accede to the conditions named in that document which you so unwisely spurn . " " Never ! " exclaimed the young man , in atone of gallant resolution .

" Then must the lav . of the holy Yehm take its course , " cried the president . " Once move— -reflect . " " I have no need of reflection , " said the prisoner firmly . "It is for you to reflect whether you dare to perpetrate this atrocity , which will make every echo of vengeance ring against you throughout the Germanic empire . "

" Stubborn boy ! " ejaculated the free count ; " you drive me to a cruel necessity . Nevertheless , seeing that you arc confirmed in your wilful obstinacy , the law ofthe Yehm must take its course . The sentence of the tribunal must bo pronounced . " The president paused for a few moments , apparently to take breath , but in reality to give the prisoner an opportunity to recal his refusal

to comply with the conditions proposed to him ; but the young man maintained a firm and dignified silence . Then , while tho eye of every one present was fixed with extraordinary interest upon the prisoner , the free count passed the terrific sentence ofthe Yehm upon him iu the following terms . *

Whereas a certain individual , who chooses to pass by tiie name of Charles . has heen cited , prosecuted , and adjudged before me , he having appeared in obedience to a summons of the cord and dagger ; and whereas he is so indifferent to the vital interests of this empire , as to object to certain proposals made to him in Avriling , in the presence of certain competent members ivho have all been made cognizant of those conditions : whereas , moreover , he will render deference neither to honour nor justice ol

and holds in contempt tho highest tribunal ' tiie boh ' empire—I hereby denounce him , by all the royal power and force , ! as is just and proper , anil in accordance AA'ith the imperial and royal ban . I declare him to be an outcast , unworthy of the peace , justice , and freedom which he has enjoyed CA-er since he ivas baptized . I declare him unworthy of flic four elements which God made ami gave , as a solace to human nature : I . denounce him as a being without right , Avithout ' law , without peace , without honour , without