her.

"In case it should occur to the good Archbishop, or any other noble, to
hang me, I thought it best to get such a declaration signed by the
Emperor, and decorated with the Great Seal of the Empire. Then, if any
attempt is made on my life, as well as on my liberty, I may produce this
Imperial decree, and bring my case to Frankfort."

"Surely, surely," exclaimed the agitated lady, her hands trembling as
she held the document and tried to read it; "I can obtain your father's
signature, but the Great Seal must be attached by the Chamberlain."

"Very good, mother. The Chamberlain will do as his Majesty orders. The
seal is even more important than the signature, if it comes to that, and
I am sure the Chamberlain will make no objection when the instrument is
for the protection of your son's life. It is not necessary to say that I
am here, or have anything to do with the matter. But lose not a moment,
and give orders that no one shall enter this room."

The empress hastened away with the parchment, while the young man walked
impatiently up and down the room. It seemed hours before she returned,
but at last she came back with the document duly executed. Roland thrust
it under his belt again, and reassuring his mother, who was now weeping
on his shoulder, he tried to tear himself away. The Empress detained him
until, with fumbling hands, she unlocked a drawer in a cabinet, and took
from it a bag that gave forth a chink of metal as she pressed it on her
son.

"I must not take it," he said. "I am quite well provided. The generous
Archbishops allow me seven hundred thalers a month, which is paid with