The duke wore a dagger and a shirt
of mail; Max wore neither arms nor armor. After the courtiers stepped
back from the throne a deep, expectant hush fell upon the room. No one
could guess the intentions of this fierce, cruel duke, and I was
terribly apprehensive for Max's safety. Had Max been armed, I should
have had no fear for him at the hands of the duke or any other man.
Charles stepped from the dais to the floor beside Max, still gazing
fixedly into his face. The men were within four feet of each other. The
silence in the room was broken only by the heavy breathing of excited
courtiers. The duke's voice sounded loud and harsh when he spoke to Max,
and his breath came in hoarse gusts:--
"You are accused, Sir Knight, by credible witnesses of intent to murder
me. For such a crime it is my privilege to kill you here and now with my
own hand. What have you to say?"
Charles paused for a reply, drawing his dagger from its sheath. When Max
saw the naked weapon, I noticed that he gave a start, though it was
almost imperceptible. He at once recovered himself, and straightening to
his full height, stepped to within two feet of the duke.
"If I plotted or intended to kill you, my lord," said Max, less moved
than any other man in the room, "it is your right to kill me; but even
were I guilty I doubt if my Lord of Burgundy, who is noted the world
over for his bravery, would strike an unarmed man. If Your Grace wished
to attack me, you would give me arms equal to your own.
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