Page:Zawis and Kunigunde (1895).djvu/157

 aid as might lie in his power, he solicited a commission from Ladislaus, which in brief and vague terms was reluctantly presented. This open letter, however, according to a well known device, fatally practiced on several occasions, did not receive enrollment, and thus fell short of full legal effect. Brother Primus and several companions joined Solomon on his departure. The latter, perceiving the attention, saluted his companion in Hebrew. Receiving no answer, he tried Spanish. Brother Primus looked confused. Then Solomon tried Arabic with equal want of success. Lastly Solomon, with a look of scorn, pointed to the most ignorant of the crowd, indicating to Brother Primus that he might possibly be able to converse with him. The Jew then strode forward until the company encountered a small military guard. Here the party halted. The officer saluted respectfully and Solomon recognized the commander of the escort that had conveyed Otakar’s body to Vienna. Further explanation was not required; and the chief hope and plan for the arrest of Solomon was disappointed. The party advanced, and by degrees one and another of the travelers approached in a friendly manner, and Brother Primus saw his chosen guard on most friendly acquaintance with his intended victim. On approaching Gran, the party observed signs of commotion. Along the road from Moravia advanced an irregular multitude. The crowd increased as it proceeded. In front marched a numerous band of men stripped to the waist, each carrying a scourge with which from time