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 summoned Lord Witek the castellan. That guardian promptly appeared, exhibiting an unusually stern aspect. Without waiting to be questioned Witek said, “The guard reports, sinister rumors of severe events in Hungary. One of our women attendants returned last night bringing tidings, as she claims, of a violent outbreak at Gran; and, the death by fire of our friends Pietro and Eudocia, under direct orders from King Ladislaus.”

Zawis received the intelligence calmly as an officer who hears from an attack on an outpost in what direction his enemy has commenced to operate.

“We must commission Lord Drda to Rudolph to ascertain if possible the imperial policy in such events; and also to Ladislaus that we may ascertain how far he has succeeded in enlisting the aid of the Teutonic order. I know he has applied to Hartman von Heldrungen, the grand master; but I do not believe that the knights are either able or willing to abandon the Prussian enterprise at present.”

“If there be any thought of such an alliance,” said Witek, “I feel confident that old Lord Boppo von Osterna, who possesses almost as much influence as his illustrious namesake, would speedily dissipate it.”

The next day Lord Drda attended, having been hastily summoned from his Moravian home. His instructions consisted more of suggested advice than of definite duties; and as his absence might be protracted, his leave-taking gathered around him the chief persons of the household. Approaching Lady