'The decree was in due form, invested with your Highness's authority by procuration.

I am but an agent; I had no status to prevent the measure.' 'This man, my guest, has been arrested,' said the Prince.

'On what grounds, sir?
With what colour of pretence ?' The Chancellor stammered.
'Your Highness will perhaps find the reason in these documents,' said Gotthold, pointing with the tail of his pen.
Otto thanked his cousin with a look.

'Give them to me,' he said, addressing the Chancellor.
But that gentleman visibly hesitated to obey.

'Baron von Gondremark,' he said, 'has made the affair his own.