"How!" called out the Kurfürst and Erastus at the same time. The Magistrate handed some papers over to the Prince.
"The plague take it!" called out Frederic the Pious, looking at Erastus with flaming eyes.
Erastus pressed forwards and turned the papers over with trembling hands. "A letter of Neuser's to Blandrata, a document from Beckhess the Transylvanian ambassador, letters of the Superintendent David in Klausenburg, letters of Vehe, Suter, and Sylvanus ..." Angrily he threw the bundle down on the table. "I do not know anything about these letters. A rascally trick to destroy me! Where did you find these papers, Amtmann?"
"In your desk."
The Kurfürst looked stedfastly at Erastus, as if he wished to read to the bottom of his soul. "Remember, most Gracious Lord," said the physician, "that for months a scaffolding has stood before my windows, and that anyone who wishes can enter my apartment."
The prince appeared for a while to struggle within himself, and then asked. "Did you discover anything else?"
The Magistrate smiled mockingly, and handed a note over to Erastus. "Is that your hand-writing. Counsellor?"
Erastus cast a glance at the writing. "Yes, it is."
"This letter lay also among Neuser's papers, most Gracious Lord," said the Amtmann. "Hear what the Counsellor writes to this conspirator. 'Dear Herr Adam! I have received your letter and quite agree with you. Matters are going on well, to-morrow you will receive the required pass, and then follow my directions exactly in all things, greet the Inspector. Your friend!' Does Your Highness now believe that a conspiracy of the Arians exists in Your Highness' lands, to lead the Palatinate to Talmudism and Mahommedanism?"
"Did you write this, Erastus?" asked the Kurfürst.