We beg that we may be told
the charge against us, and we would also know who makes the charge."

"Count Calli," said the duke, beckoning that worthy knight, "come
forward and speak."

Calli came forward, knelt to the duke, and said:

"I, my lord, charge these unknown men as being Swiss spies and
assassins, who seek to murder Your Grace and to betray Burgundy."

"You lie, you dog," cried Max, looking like an angry young god. "You lie
in your teeth and in your heart. My Lord of Burgundy, I demand the
combat against this man who seeks my life by treachery and falsehood. I
waive my rank for the sweet privilege of killing this liar."

"My Lord Duke," I exclaimed, interrupting Max, "if my Lord d'Hymbercourt
is in presence, I beg that I may have speech with him."

Hymbercourt stepped to my side, and the duke signified permission to
speak.

"My Lord d'Hymbercourt," said I, turning to my friend, "I beg you to
tell His Grace that we are not spies. I may not, for reasons well known
to you, give you permission to inform His Grace who my young companion
is, and I hope my Lord of Burgundy will be satisfied with your assurance
that we are honest knights who wish only good to this land and its
puissant ruler."

"Indeed, my Lord Duke, I was right," answered Hymbercourt. "Again I
offer my person and my estates as hostages for these men. They are not
spies. They are not of Switzerland, nor are they friends to the Swiss;
neither are they enemies of Burgundy. I doubt not they will gladly join
Your Lordship in this war against the cantons. These knights have been
arrested to gratify revenge for personal injury received and deserved by
this traitorous Count Calli."

"It is false," cried Campo-Basso.

"It is true--pitifully true, my lord," returned Hymbercourt. "This young
knight was at the moat bridge near Castleman's House under the Wall
talking with a burgher maid, Fraeulein Castleman. Count Calli stole upon
them without warning and insulted the maiden. My young friend knocked
down the ruffian, and, in the conflict that ensued, broke Calli's arm.
Your Grace may have seen him carrying it in a sling until within the
last forty-eight hours.

"For this deserved chastisement Count Calli seeks the young man's life
by bearing false witness against him; and with it that of my old friend,
Sir Karl de Pitti. It is Burgundy's shame, my lord, that these
treacherous mercenaries should be allowed to murder strangers and to
outrage Your Gra