"'A groom?' "'If that were all!' answered the unknown with a strange laugh.
"'But who is it then?' cried the emperor.
"'Tear off his mask and you will see.'
"The emperor approached the sable cavalier, and tore off his mask. It was the headsman.
"'Miscreant!' shouted the emperor, as his sword flashed from the scabbard, 'commend thy soul to God before thou diest.'
"'Sire!' replied the headsman, falling on his knees, 'you may kill me if you will; but the empress has not the less danced with me, and the dishonour, if dishonour there be, is already incurred. Do better than that: knight me; and if any one dares to speak evil of her majesty, the same sword that executes justice shall vindicate her fame.'
"The emperor reflected for a moment.
"'The advice is good,' said he at last. 'Henceforward you shall no longer be called the headsman, but the last of the judges.' Then, giving him three blows on the shoulder with his sword flat,
"'Rise!' he continued; 'from this hour you are the lowest among nobles, and the first amongst burghers.'
"And accordingly since that day, in all public processions and ceremonies, the executioner walks by himself, in rear of the nobles and in front of the commoners."