“And what do you here, son of the Red Axe, in the place of the Sacred Fehme of the White Wolf?”

The question was the first addressed directly to me.

“I came,” said I, as straightforwardly and simply as I could, “with Michael Texel, because he asked me to come.  And also because I heard that there was good ale to be had for the drinking at the White Swan of Thorn, where we are now met.”

A low moan of horror went about the assembly at the frivolity of my answer, which plainly was not what had been expected.

“Daring mocker!” cried a stern voice, “you speak as one unacquainted with the dread power of the White Wolf, which has within her grasp the keys of life and death—­and has suckled great empires at her dugs.  Beware, tempt not the All-powerful to exercise her right of axe and cord!”

“I do not tempt any,” answered I, boldly enough—­yet with no credit to myself, for I could have laughed aloud at all this hollow pretence, having been brought up within the range of that which was no mockery.  “I am willing to become a loyal member of the Society of the White Wolf for the furtherance of any honest purpose.  All things, I admit, are not well within the body politic.  Let us, in the city of Thorn, strive after the same rights as are possessed by the Free Cities of the North.  If that be your object, the son of the Red Axe is with you—­with you to the death, if need be.  But for God’s sake let us take off these masks and set ourselves down to the tankard and the good brown bread with less mummery—­a sham of which others have the reality.”

“Peace, vain, ignorant fly!” cried the same speaker, one with a young voice, which he was trying, as I thought, to make grave and old; “terror must first strike your heart, or you cannot sit down with the Society of the White Wolf.  You stand convicted of blasphemy against this our ancient and honorable institution—­blasphemy which must be suddenly and terribly punished.  Hugo Gottfried, I command you—­make your head ready for the striker.  Bare the neck and bow the knee!”

But I stood as erect as I could, though I felt hands laid upon my shoulders and the breathing of many close about me.

“Knights and gentlemen,” said I, “I am not afraid to die, if need be.  But ere you do your will upon me, I would fain tell you a tale and give you a warning.  Here I am one among many.  I am also of your opinion, if your opinion be against tyranny.  But for God’s sake seek it as wise men and not as posturing knaves.  As for Michael Texel—­”

“Name not the mortal names of men in this place of the White Wolf!” said the same grave voice.

At which I laughed a little.

“If you will tell me what to say instead in the language of the immortals, I will call my friend by that name.  Till then Michael Texel, I say—­”

I was pulled by force down upon my knees.

“Your pleasure, gentlemen,” said I, as coolly as I might; “you may do with me as you will, but give me at least leave to speak.  Your meetings here at the White Swan are known to the Red Axe, my father, and therefore to the Duke Casimir.”