"I cannot tell," answered the elder Philipson; "I know the Duke sets great store by them. But your excellency knows, that great princes sometimes place a high value on trifles."
"Bear you them about you?" said the Governor. "Take heed how you answer—Look around you on these engines, which can bring a dumb man to speak, and consider I have the power to employ them!"
"And I the courage to support their worst infliction," answered Philipson, with the same impenetrable coolness which he had maintained throughout the whole conference.
"Remember, also," said Hagenbach, "that I can have your person searched as thoroughly as your mails and budgets."
"I do remember that I am wholly in thy power; and that I may leave thee no excuse for employing force on a peaceful traveller, I will own to you," said Philipson, "that I have the Duke's packet in the bosom of my doublet."
"Bring it forth," answered the Governor.
"My hands are tied, both in honour and literally," said the Englishman.
"Pluck it from his bosom, Kilian," said Sir Archibald; "let us see this gear he talks of."
"Could resistance avail," replied the stout merchant, "you should pluck forth my heart first. But I pray all who are present to observe that the seals are every one whole and unbroken at this moment when it is forcibly taken from my person."
As he spoke thus he looked around on the soldiers, whose presence De Hagenbach had perhaps forgotten.