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 duty to obey at once,” he answered gruffly. “I command you to surrender quietly, otherwise you shall be treated with due severity.” And the soldiers, hearing a command, quickly loaded their guns.

On this brutal threat a timid murmur arose. But the young leaders did not lose their presence of mind.

“Why do you want to capture us, Hypolit Felsenburk?” the harper demanded. “We are marching to Prague to speak humbly and peacefully to our masters. If you want to prevent our going, you must have misunderstood the Emperor’s Patent, which gives us the privilege to do so. You are making void your Emperor’s will.”

The young Hypolit of Felsenburk flamed with anger.

“Utter another word, villains, and I will execute on you right here what awaits every one of you that shall behold Prague,” he exclaimed, pointing significantly to two tall trees.

“Whoever opposes my orders shall not move alive from the spot.”