“That I do not know. I may have lain there two days or a dozen. I had no means of measuring the length of my imprisonment.”
“May I ask your Majesty in what manner you were lured into the halls of the Fehmgerichte?”
“It was no lure. While I lay asleep at night in the cloisters by the Cathedral I was bound and gagged, carried through the dark streets helpless on a litter and finally flung into the cell in which you found me.”
“May I further inquire what your Majesty’s intentions are regarding the fulfilment of the duties imposed upon you by your high office?”
There was a long pause before the Emperor replied, then he said:
“Why do you ask?”
“Because, your Majesty, I have on several occasions imperilled my life for an Emperor who does not rule, who has refused even to sign my commission as officer of his troops.”
“Your commission was never sent to me.”
“I beg your Majesty’s pardon, but it was sent three times to you in the cloisters of the Cathedral, and returned three times unsigned.”
“Then it is as I suspected,” returned the Emperor, “the monks must have connived at my capture. I have pleasure in confirming your appointment. I am sure that the command could not be in more capable hands. And in further reply to your question, if God permits me to see the light of day, I shall be an emperor who rules.”