"It seems so, most gracious sir," replied Nietzel with solemn voice. "But see here, the truth lies on this page."
And he handed the count a second sheet of paper.
"What do I see? Something seems to have disturbed the banquet."
"Yes, your excellency, very greatly disturbed it. Do you still see the man who stood behind the Electoral Prince?"
"No, I see him nowhere."
"He has fled, your excellency. He is the murderer of the Electoral Prince, who is borne out senseless."
"Of the Electoral Prince? Conrad the Third, you mean! For was it not the murder of the last of the Hohenstaufens which you promised me?"
"Yes, your excellency, and I will perform my promise if the sketch pleases you."
"It pleases me very much, and it suits me perfectly," replied the count, whose glance remained ever directed to the two sketches. "Yes, yes," he continued slowly, "I understand, and the design has my approval, for it is simple and natural. You have your plan complete in your head?"
"Quite complete, your excellency."