"
"For what purpose?"
"I wished," said Roland, rapidly outlining his defense in his own mind,
"I wished to see some high officer; some one of your own position, sir,
but was not so fortunate as to succeed. I could not pass the sentries
without a permit, which I did not then possess, but hope to acquire
to-morrow."
"Again I ask, for what purpose?"
"For a purpose which causes me delight in meeting your excellency."
"I am no excellency. Come to the point! For what purpose?"
"To show the officer a sword of such superior quality that a man armed
with it, and given a certain amount of skill, stands impregnable."
"Do you mean to tell me you went to the Royal Palace for the purpose of
selling a second-hand sword?"
"Oh, no, my lord."
"Do not be so free with your titles. Call me Lieutenant."
"Well, Lieutenant, sir; I hope to get orders for a hundred, or perhaps a
thousand of these weapons."
"Where did you go after leaving the Palace?"
"I went to the residence of that great Prince of the Church, the
Archbishop of Cologne.
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