CHAPTER XXIX.
Abraham Rotheisel hastened to Vienna as fast as the lumbering diligence could carry him. He lost no time in presenting himself before the Emperor.
Before long, the courier was on his way back, furnished with a document which the Emperor had signed and sealed himself, after he had heard of the dismal situation in which Ráby found himself.
This important missive soon found its way to the governor.
"Eh, what is this?" demanded his Excellency, as he recognised the superscription and private seal of the Kaiser. He was just in the act of dictating to his secretary, so put the imperial missive into a basket, which was filled with documents of all sorts, and went on with his dictation, pacing up and down the room the while.
He was just trying to finish, when the district commissioner entered without any announcing.
"Has your Excellency received a courier from his Majesty?" he asked abruptly.
"I have."
"What does he say?"