When I recollect what I have suffered at your hands! If only the late king were here, my joy would be complete!" "Your Highness," said Von Arnsberg quietly, "all I have left in the world are these two withered hands, and may God cut them off if they ever wronged you in any act.

I am innocent.

Those letters purported to have been written by me were forgeries.

I could not prove this, so I have been outlawed, with the sentence of death over my head.

But to-night I shall leave this palace a free man, and you shall ask pardon for the wrong you have done me." There was no fear in the voice; there was nothing but confidence.