figurement the two women on the instant. A soldier present, on invitation specially uttered, and on safe conduct specifically pronounced, recognized the veiled woman as the mother of the Duke Nicolas, then standing before the mutilated corpse.
“From the same veiled body that soldier drew this chain and key that he had long searched for. With that key came to light the concealed document this honorable council had demanded. Whether the document remained hidden with the full knowledge of Nicolas Duke of Troppau may be gathered from the challenge of the duke to produce such a document. He knew such record existed, for his own signature is attached to it, and he knew that his mother formerly kept the golden key of the receptacle where that record lay for safety. The duke’s mother was supposed to have disappeared from the palace at the time of King Otakar’s marriage.
“Does the duke challenge the authenticity of this parchment?” boldly inquired Nicolas.
“It is preserved with the same caution, found in the same enclosure, guarded by the same mother’s care as the equally secured and authentic document conferring upon him the revenues of the dukedom of Troppau.
“The subscription is the same, the witnesses are the same, as my Lord Benes will certify, for his name also occurs in both.”
The king here presented both parchments to Benes and Nicolas, and as neither uttered a syllable Jaroslav continued:
