"I am informed that Count Bertrich has attacked the castle, and is at present engaged in its reduction, and this without waiting for co-operation from my forces."
"If he has done so," replied Arnold suavely, "he has most gravely outrun his instructions."
"He furthermore stated to the Count of Thuron that you had certain powers granted you by the Emperor Rodolph. What is the nature of those powers?"
"In that also is Count Bertrich wrong. I have never so much as seen the Emperor Rodolph."
"You may, nevertheless, have had communication with him."
"I have had no communication with him."
"It seems strange that such a claim should have been put forward on your behalf by your own envoy."
"I cannot account for it. Bertrich has not yet returned, but when he does, I shall ask him for an explanation, and that in your presence. He is a turbulent man, and a good fighter, but difficult to restrain. One has to work with the tools that come to one's hands, and often the service is ill-rendered, as seems to have been the case in this instance."
As the Archbishop ceased speaking there arose cheer after cheer from Castle Thuron, which caused all present to listen intently, and for a short time nothing further was said. It was his Lordship of Cologne who first broke silence.
"Those cries are too near at hand to betoken victory for Count Bertrich. Perhaps it may be well to send him reinforcements."