“What do you want, my friends?” he asked calmly.
“Tell them to disperse, Your Highness,” urged the burgomaster.
A mass of people blocked the entrance into the room. They turned threateningly to the councillors.
“We are here to see justice done to His Highness,” they declared fiercely.
“You seem very well disposed to my House,” said the Prince, laying down his napkin.
The pastor pushed forward, flushed and triumphant.
“If there is anything His Highness wants,” he cried, addressing the Prince, “let him ask for it—and we will see that he gets it.”
William’s eyes flashed under his lowered lids.
The bearing of the crowd confirmed the pastor’s promise, proved that they were not mere words.
“Tell them to go home, Your Highness,” pleaded the burgomaster; “this is against the laws——”