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 describing to the Emperor our circumstances, and asking him, on certain conditions, to assume the sovereignty and defend us. If he will promise to save our religion and language and further in every way their progress, then we shall bind ourselves to help him faithfully when, in the near future, at the death of the Bavarian Elector, war shall be waged over his possessions.”

The harper sprang up as if he had not learned that evening what exertion and weakness were.

“The proposition will be made known this evening to all the members,” Andrew added, “and it will be voted upon. I think it will be passed unanimously.”

“You are seeking salvation, and instead of that you will throw both your religion and your language to destruction,” the harper exclaimed. “What you are planning must not happen. This evening, did you say, the meeting was to be held? It is night now—midnight, perhaps. It has begun already; you are delaying here on my account, otherwise