The President demanded his name, country, and occupation.
"John Philipson," was the reply; "by birth an Englishman, by profession a merchant."
"Have you ever borne any other name and profession?" demanded the Judge.
"I have been a soldier, and, like most others, had then a name by which I was known in war."
"What was that name?"
"I laid it aside when I resigned my sword, and I do not desire again to be known by it. Moreover, I never bore it where your institutions have weight and authority," answered the Englishman.
"Know you before whom you stand?" continued the Judge.
"I may at least guess," replied the merchant.
"Tell your guess, then," continued the interrogator. "Say who we are, and wherefore are you before us?"
"I believe that I am before the Unknown, or Secret Tribunal, which is called Vehme-gericht."