"Mr. Sheriff," he inquired, as they passed beneath the portcullis, "hadn't we better drive home first of all?"
"No, old fellow! the business of the city comes first. I'll go home afterward."
As the sledge stopped before the townhall, where the town-councilors, apprised of the arrival of the deputies, had already assembled, the first person whom Valentine met on dismounting was Count Hommonai.
He drew Valentine aside.
"Have you been home yet?" he asked.
"Not yet," replied the other, "'publica præcedunt privatis.'"
"Go home first."
"No, my lord! That I will not do. Tidings may there be awaiting me which will either irritate or delight me, and so either make me too severe or too soft-hearted. The circumstances of the city are at this moment so very serious that, till they have been set right, we must let our private affairs go. So, by your leave, the townhall first and my own house afterward."
And when Valentine explained in the council the actual situation of affairs, everyone said that he had acted quite rightly.
The Prince of Transylvania, in order to bring King Ferdinand over to his side, had surrendered to him the five counties on this side of the Theiss which had been ceded to Transylvania by the Peace of Linz. Then, shutting his ears against all good advice, he had invaded Poland, and his first attack was crowned with success, for Cracow fell into his hands.