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 Even the public acconnts and archives have been ransacked. Public creditors and state debtors are alike liable to wrong through the destruction of our records.”

“I am compelled to regard you as an emissary in the direct interest of an insubordinate and dangerous intriguer,” sternly said Rudolph. “I have commissioned Duke Nicolas to ascertain the present condition of all the fortresses in Bohemia. You will explain to him in full the resources, strength, garrison, and munitions of every strong place, especially Fürstenberg, Hluboka, and your own; although the last I believe is of little account.”

“I am not sufficiently informed as to the strength of Hluboka and Fürstenberg,” answered Drda; “and therefore I must refer your highness to the best authority. No doubt the Duke Nicolas would receive a welcome from Lord Zawis.”

“I shall never seek hospitality in that quarter,” suddenly exclaimed Nicolas. “If I go at all it will be to overthrow the presumptuous usurper who hides there.”

“Such language would properly be addressed to the nobleman in person. In such case it would receive such reply as becomes the unmerited and sinister,”—this word with special emphasis,—“accusation it contains,” firmly exclaimed Drda, looking Nicolas in the face. “Only a mind irregular in its sense of honor as well as in its antecedents would thus shelter itself by the absence of its intended object.

“This in my presence!” exclaimed Rudolph.