He remained in this attitude for some time.
"Well ?" said the duke impatiently.
Herbeck returned to his chair.

"I wish that you had shown me these long ago." "To what end ?" "You accused the king ?" "Certainly, but he denied it." "In a letter ?" "Yes.

Here, read it." Herbeck compared the two.

"Where did you find these ?" "In Arnsberg's desk," returned the duke, the anger in his eyes giving place to gloomy retrospection.

"Arnsberg, my boyhood playmate, the man I loved and trusted and advanced to the highest office in my power.