He opened his lips to speak, but the Lord Chief Justice said quickly: "Not there, your Grace, not there! It is not lawful to pronounce judgment upon any of the ducal line SAVE FROM THE DUCAL THRONE!" A shudder went to the heart of poor Conrad, and a tremor shook the iron frame of his old father likewise.

CONRAD HAD NOT BEEN CROWNED--dared he profane the throne?
He hesitated and turned pale with fear.

But it must be done.

Wondering eyes were already upon him.

They would be suspicious eyes if he hesitated longer.