'You jest!' cried the miscreant. You have drank to the emperor with a captain in the imperial service, and by that act have become a soldier.'
'Is it possible!' cried Dorn. 'Can you so prostitute the emperor's name as to use it for so low an artifice?'
'Not a word of opposition, fellow!' said the captain menacingly. 'You have consented to take service under the standard of his imperial majesty, and must abide thereby.'
'I am a free burgher of Schweidnitz,' said Dorn; 'what right have you to hold me?'
'What right! what right! blustered the captain, striking the floor with his sword. 'Here is my right, which is valid through all Europe.'
'I warn you, captain,' cried Dorn, 'to be cautious how you take a step which may disgrace you without accomplishing your purpose.'
'That we shall see!' said the captain; and, going to the door, he threw it open and cried, 'Orderly!'
A gigantic guardsman came clattering up the steps, stooped to enter the room, and then, straitening himself up like a tall pine, thundered, 'Here!'
'Take this recruit to the guard-room,' commanded the captain, 'and deliver him over, on my account, to the officer of the day. He may as well be put in uniform and sworn to his colors this evening as tomorrow.'
The colossus stepped up to Dorn, pointed to the door, and in a very insolent tone commanded, 'March!'