fight, from which Barney, much to his disgust, was barred by the

mighty figure of the old prince and the stalwart sword-arm of

Butzow. He did get one crack at Maenck, and had the satisfaction of

seeing blood spurt from a flesh wound across the fellow's cheek.

"That for the Princess Emma," he called to the governor of Blentz,

and then men crowded between them and he did not see the captain

again during the battle.

When Peter saw that more than half of the palace guard were shouting

for Leopold, and fighting side by side with the men of Tann, he

realized the futility of further armed resistance at this time.

Slowly he withdrew, and at last the fighting ceased and some

semblance of order was restored within the cathedral.

Fearfully, the bishop emerged from hiding, his robes disheveled and

his miter askew. Butzow grasped him none too reverently by the arm

and dragged him before Barney. The crown of Lutha dangled in the

priest's palsied hands.

"Crown the king!" cried the lieutenant. "Crown Leopold, king of

Lutha!"

A mad roar of acclaim greeted this demand, and again from all parts

of the cathedral rose the same wild cry. But in the lull that

followed there were some who demanded proof of the tattered young

man who stood before them and claimed that he was king.

"Let Prince Ludwig speak!" cried a dozen voices.

"Yes, Prince Ludwig! Prince Ludwig!" took up the throng.

Prince Ludwig von der Tann turned toward the bearded young man.

Silence fell upon the crowded cathedral. Peter of Blentz stood

awaiting the outcome, ready to demand the crown upon the first

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