So intent was he upon the lists that a citizen by his side had, unobserved by him, severed the links of a massive gold chain which he wore around his neck, and had concealed it in his gown.

But a page who had perceived the theft, throttled the culprit and drew the chain from its hiding-place.

The man was ordered to prison, and Gilbert had forgotten the occurrence, when the assembly was disturbed by loud cries and imprecations from without.

Gilbert quick as thought passed through the doorway and stood in the street.

The bourgeois of Mayence were zealous partisans of Henry, and had already scowled upon the honors paid to his rival.