in my
land! If you of the Lutheran confession will not serve me, I will seek
consolation in an older faith!' cried Eberhard Ludwig.

The Geheimraethe, huddled together in a whispering, wavering, frightened
group, had listened to Osiander's grave words in silence, but at this
speech of his Highness's they broke into agitated exclamations:

'His Highness does not know what he says! Roman idolatry! Ah!
Monseigneur! It is contrary to the testament of Eberhard the Ancient and
the true laws of Wirtemberg!'

Eberhard Ludwig paid no heed to these varied ejaculations of his Privy
Councillors. He was watching Osiander's stern face, and his own
expression was as unrelenting as the Prelate's.

'Is this your last word, Monsieur Osiander?' he said quietly.

'Yes, Monseigneur, my last word, and the decision of the Church which I
represent.'

'Then, sir, I can dispense with your presence in my castle of Urach,'
replied the Duke haughtily.

The Prelate withdrew without a word. Eberhard Ludwig waited till Osiander
passed out of the Golden Hall, then: 'Gentlemen, you have heard. Now I
require you to sign this document. Those who do not sign, cease to be
members of my Privy Council.' He drew a large folded paper from his
breast, and laying it open upon the table desired one of the Geheimraethe
to read it aloud. It was a repetition in formal legal terms of his
Highness's speech to the Council, and had been drawn up and cleverly
worded by Schuetz, the fraudulent attorney of Vienna.

'Your Highness takes the entire responsibility of this act?' questioned
one of the councillors.

'Yes, noble sirs, and I have but to add that such of you as do not sign
will be arrested immediately.' He moved back a few paces, and pushing
open the door revealed to the councillors a detachment of Silver Guards
stationed in the corridor without. Seven Geheimraethe approached the table
and without more ado affixed their signatures to the document. Only Herr
von Hespen remained.

'I await your decision, sir,' said Serenissimus harshly.

'I shall not sign,' replied Hespen.

'Arrest this gentleman!' called the Prince; 'and now, sirs, we will
repair to the tilting-hall and our banquet.'

The small town of Urach was in a state of such commotion as it had not
known since the far-off day when Count Eberhard the Bearded received his
Mantuan bride at the castle. All day coaches rolled into the courtyard of
the old inn, and the narrow streets were filled with