The general shrugged his shoulders.
"We are living in perilous times, and every man must defend himself
from his enemies. 'Tis true your chamberlain sold some good sheep to
our army, but it appears to have been a fraudulent transaction; for
this reason, I arrest him, and send him to Berlin for trial. There
it will be difficult for him to carry on his correspondence with the
traitorous chamberlain of the king."
The general ceased speaking, and gazing at the pale, disturbed group
before him, enjoyed their horror and consternation for a moment.
The queen was greatly embarrassed, and pressed her lips firmly
together to suppress a cry of terror. By her side stood Father
Guarini, whose face had assumed a livid pallor, and whose dark eyes
were fixed in bitter hatred upon the general. Behind the queen the
terrified face of the chamberlain was seen, his insignificant figure
being entirely concealed by the queen's robes.
"Baron von Schonberg," said General Fink, "I order you to come
forward and to submit to your arrest. Out of respect to her majesty
the queen, you will be quiet. I should be unfortunately forced to
act with violence if you do not yield without a struggle.
Pages:
469
470
471
472
473
474
475
476
477
478
479
480
481
482
483
484
485
486
487
488
489
490
491
492
493