“It has been delayed, alas!” replied Conrad von Burgsdorf, “and it has resulted from the fact that since the Stadtholder’s death there has been nobody to issue orders or defend the right.  But now, as we have once more a Stadtholder in the Mark, all will be different, and those who put themselves in opposition may be on their guard, for we seal not merely papers, but men.  As regards your question, count, the sealing affects your inheritance only in so far as you have presumed to include among your estates several districts and domains pertaining to the Elector, and have been in indecent haste to take possession of them.”

“These domains were given in pledge to my father, and never redeemed.”

“That remains to be decided, and, for the purpose of setting this as well as many other matters, the Elector has ordained that a judicial court shall sit.  He himself named the gentlemen who were to constitute this board of investigation, which will enter upon its duties early to-morrow morning, and begin by removing the seal from the papers which I am to make myself master of to-day.  The chairman of this committee is the president of the privy council, von Goetze.”

“I know of no President von Goetze.”

“Yes, yes, your father deprived Herr von Goetze of his office because he would not dance to the Stadtholder’s piping, and was not his devoted servant to say yes to everything.  But for that very reason our young Elector has installed him again in his office, and given orders, moreover, that he be the president of the committee of investigation.  And now, as I have answered all your questions with praiseworthy patience and to my own satisfaction, let us at last proceed to sealing, and make a beginning in this very room.  Shut the doors, Lieutenant von Metzdorf, and allow no one to go out who was here at our entrance.”

“Colonel,” replied the lieutenant, “the high steward von Wallenrodt left the room a while ago, but, as you had given no orders to that effect, I could not detain him.  He went out just when you took the count up in your arms.”

“Humph!  That is the reason why the count wanted to divert my attention for some minutes, that his steward might have time to execute his secret commission!” cried the colonel stamping his foot passionately.  “We ought to have reflected that we had sly foxes to deal with, and guarded every outlet beforehand.  Lieutenant von Metzdorf, place a man at every door and let no one out.  Lieutenant von Frohberg, take with you four soldiers, and search the whole palace; if you find von Wallenrodt, arrest and search him.”

“Colonel, that is going too far!” cried Count John Adolphus, pale with rage and excitement.  “You have no right to arrest and search my servant.  I interpose my protest, and will bring you to account before his Majesty the Emperor.”

“I shall take care of that,” replied the colonel composedly.  “If I have done wrong, let the committee of investigation call me to account.  The Emperor in Vienna has nothing to do with me, and has no right to meddle in the administration of justice among us.”