“Your knowledge goes not far, my pretty sir,” said Burgsdorf contemptuously.  “You are in everything a very unadvised and ignorant young gentleman.  The Elector is indeed at Koenigsberg, but, nevertheless, he has made known his will to me through the newly appointed Stadtholder in the Mark, who arrived here, incognito, early this morning.”

“Stadtholder in the Mark!” cried Count John Adolphus defiantly.  “I know no one who can lay claim to that title but myself alone!”

“But I know some one who has not merely the title but the office itself, and that person is the Margrave Ernest von Jaegerndorf.  Herr von Metzdorf, come in!”

In answer to Burgsdorf’s loud call a young officer advanced through the door leading from the adjacent room, which had been left ajar, and stood on the threshold awaiting further orders.

“Hand Count Adolphus von Schwarzenberg the Stadtholder’s printed manifesto,” said Burgsdorf.  Lieutenant von Metzdorf drew near the count, extending toward him a huge sheet of paper.  “Read, my dear little count!” cried Burgsdorf.  “Only read!  Yes, yes, it contains very interesting intelligence.  Margrave Ernest informs the citizens of Berlin and Cologne that he has been nominated by our gracious Elector Stadtholder in the Mark, and has entered upon the duties of his new office.  He further informs the good folks of Berlin, that his Electoral Grace has been pleased to appoint Conrad von Burgsdorf superintendent of all the fortresses within the Electorate and Mark of Brandenburg.  Colonel Conrad von Burgsdorf am I, and in my province as superintendent of all the fortresses I shall have all those arrested who refuse to swear allegiance to their Sovereign and Elector.  Colonel von Kracht has experienced this, and his confederates shall soon enough acquire like knowledge.  Count von Schwarzenberg, will you have the goodness to let me proceed to seal the papers, or must I use force by virtue of my right and authority?”

“You are the stronger,” replied the count, shrugging his shoulders, “or, rather, brute force is on your side, and against this ’twere irrational to contend.  Do what I can not hinder.  Seal up my father’s papers.  I should think, however, that my own papers would be exempt from this procedure, and I hope the contents of my own desk will be respected.”  As he spoke he cast a furtive glance upon his steward von Wallenrodt, who, nodding almost imperceptibly, slowly retreated to the door.

“I shall seal indiscriminately all the papers and desks found in the palace,” exclaimed Colonel von Burgsdorf.  “This whole palace, with all it contains, belonged to Count Adam Schwarzenberg, and my orders are to seal and remove all papers left by that gentleman.  You see that I can not and will not make distinctions as to what is yours and what your deceased father’s.”

“I believe, indeed, that the art of reading is for you difficult, nay almost impossible, Colonel von Burgsdorf!”