“She has signed the warrant, but very much against her inclination.  Count Halfont informed me that she pleaded and argued with the Duke for hours, seeking to avert the act which is bound to give pain to all of us.  He was obdurate, and threatened to carry complaint to Bolaroz, who would instantly demand satisfaction.  As the Duke is willing to die if you are proved innocent, there was no other course left for her than to dictate and sign this royal decree.  Captain Dangloss, I am instructed to give you these papers.  One is the warrant for Mr. Lorry’s arrest, the other orders you to assume charge of him and to place him in confinement until the day of trial.”

While Quinnox was making this statement the accused stood with bowed head and throbless heart.  He did not see the captain’s hand tremble as he passed the documents to Dangloss, nor did he hear the unhappy sigh that came from the latter’s lips.  Anguish, fiery and impulsive, was not to be subdued.

“Is there no warrant for my arrest?” he demanded.

“There is not.  You are at liberty to go, sir,” responded Quinnox.

“I’d like to know why there isn’t.  I am just as guilty as Lorry.”

“The Duke charges the crime to but one of you.  Baron Dangloss, will you read the warrant?”

The old chief read the decree of the Princess slowly and impressively.  It was as follows: 

“Jacot, Duke of Mizrox, before his God and on his life, swears that Grenfall Lorry did foully, maliciously and designedly slay Lorenz, Prince of Axphain, on the 20th day of October, in the year of our Lord 189-, and in the city of Edelweiss, Graustark.  It is therefore my decree that Grenfall Lorry be declared murderer of Lorenz, Prince of Axphain, until he be proved innocent, in which instance, his accuser, Jacot, Duke of Mizrox, shall forfeit his life, according to the law of this land providing penalty for false witness, and by which he, himself, has sworn to abide faithfully.

“Signed:  Yetive.”

There was silence for some moments, broken by the dreary tones of the accused.

“What chance have I to prove my innocence?” he asked, hopelessly.

“The same opportunity that he has to prove your guilt.  The Duke must, according to our law, prove you guilty beyond all doubt,” spoke the young captain.

“When am I to be tried?”

“Here is my order from the Princess,” said Dangloss, glancing over the other paper.  “It says that I am to confine you securely and to produce you before the tribunal on the 26th day of October.”

“A week!  That is a long time,” said Lorry.  “May I have permission to see the signature affixed to those papers?” Dangloss handed them to him.  He glanced at the name he loved, written by the hand he had kissed, now signing away his life, perhaps.  A mist came over his eyes and a strange joy filled his soul.  The hand that signed the name had trembled in doing so, had trembled pitifully.  The heart had not guided the fingers.  “I am your prisoner, Captain Dangloss.  Do with me as you will,” he said, simply.