"Before ever Denmark was, we were," answered the Judge, proudly.
"And in his name I demand that you adjourn. Will you do it now?" cried Jorgen Jorgensen, with a grin of triumph.
"No," cried the Judge, lifting an undaunted face to the face of Jorgen Jorgensen.
The people held their breath through this clash of words, but at the Judge's brave answer a murmur of approval passed over them. Jorgen Jorgensen heard it, and flinched, but turned back to the Judge and said,
"Take care. If you do not help me, you hinder me; if you are not with me, you are against me. Is that man a traitor? Answer me—yes or no."
But the Judge made no answer, and there was dead silence among the people, for they knew well in what way the cruel question tended.
"Answer me—yes or no," Jorgen Jorgensen cried again.
Then the Bishop broke silence and said,
"Whatever our hearts may be, your Excellency, our tongues must be silent."
At that, Jorgen Jorgensen faced about to the crowd.