“My Lord, I raised a point of law which has been ignored.”
“This is the proper time to raise it,” replied Mayence, “and you shall be instantly satisfied. This Court is competent to give its decision upon any point of law. If my Lord of Treves agrees with me, your objection is disallowed.”
“I agree,” said the Elector of Treves.
“My Lord of Cologne,” said Mayence, turning towards the person addressed, “the decision of the Court is against you.”
Hildegunde was already learning a lesson. Although dazed by the verdict, she could not but admire the quiet, conversational tone adopted by the three men before her, as compared with her own late vehemence.
“The decision of the Court is not unexpected,” said Cologne, “and I regret that I am compelled to appeal.”
“To whom will you appeal?” inquired Mayence mildly, “The Emperor, as you know, is quite unfit for the transaction of public business, and even if such were not the case, would hesitate to overturn a decision given by a majority of this Court.”
“I appeal,” replied Cologne, “to a power that even Emperors must obey; the power of physical force.”
“You mean,” said Mayence sadly, “to the three thousand men concealed in the forest behind this house in which you are an honored guest?”
The Elector of Cologne was so taken aback by this almost whispered remark that he was momentarily struck speechless. A sudden pallor swept the usual ruddiness from his face. The Lord of Mayence gently inclined his head as if awaiting an answer, and when it did not come, went on impassively: