Arrived at the governor's palace, they were received by his Excellency, who, after seeing their credentials, asked abruptly what they desired.
"We are commissioned by his Majesty to accompany hither Mr. Ráby, who is to appear for the purpose of confronting his accusers at the Pesth Assembly House shortly."
"Do you mean the good-for-nothing fellow who ran away the other day from prison?"
"May it please your Excellency, he is authorised by the Emperor himself."
"And he is likewise my prisoner, don't forget that!"
"Pardon me, he is under our special protection, with an imperial safe-conduct and is here for the fulfilment of a perfectly lawful purpose."
"And I have already ordered that he shall be surrendered to the custody of the Pesth magistracy."
"Then I must emphatically protest in the Kaiser's name. Here is his authorisation."
"Then I recommend you to keep it," returned his Excellency drily. "The Kaiser commands in Vienna, but it is my turn here."
And with that the governor got up and rang the bell.