CHAPTER XIX
THE CORONATION DUEL
Those who had come to the cathedral in the expectation of witnessing an interesting ceremony were beginning to find that the reality far surpassed the anticipation.
A series of dramatic episodes had occurred in quick succession, but the climax of all was now reached when it became known that the throne of Czernova was to be put to the hazard of a duel, and a duel that was to ensue immediately within the walls of the cathedral itself, an arrangement due to the initiative of Zabern; for, as according to the statute the combat must take place that same day, he had proposed that it should be fought at once upon the open pavement fronting the choir.
"A duel within a cathedral!" exclaimed Radzivil in amazement.
"Why not?" asked Zabern coolly.
"This is a consecrated place. The wilful shedding of blood here is forbidden by the Church."
"Well, let's take the opinion of the Church as expressed in the person of Faustus."
Now, sad to relate, that mitred abbot dearly loved to witness a good fight, for he had been a soldier ere adopting the monastic profession, and the old Adam was still strong within him.
"This cathedral is holy ground," he began.