"What, your majesty!" cried Gunther, in tones that were proud and defiant. "You defame me without so much as telling me of what I am accused! without allowing me the right of justification Tell me—what have I done?"
"Ask your own conscience, if you have one, and find an answer there!" cried Joseph, furious at the lofty bearing of his victim.
"If your majesty refuses me that poor boon," continued Gunther, "I appeal to the laws. My legal judges will be bound to hear me publicly accused, and to listen to my defence!"
"I am your accuser and your judge—your only judge," replied Joseph, with concentrated passion. "I have already found you guilty, and have already sentenced you."
"But why, why?" cried Gunther. "If you would not drive me mad, tell me why?"
"I shall do nothing but carry out your sentence," cried Joseph ringing a bell. "Are the men without?" said he to the page who answered his summons.
"Yes, your majesty. A subaltern of the third regiment is without, with four soldiers."
"Show them in!" The page opened the door, and the men entered.
"You march to Hungary to your new garrison to-day, do you not?" said the emperor.
"Yes, sire—we march in one hour," was the reply.