Chapter 27 - Page 2

the châtelain; for, though the
others were admitted by courtesy to participate in the investigations, the
right to proceed in an affair of this nature within the limits of the
Valais, belonged to this functionary alone.

"Thou art called Balthazar?" abruptly commenced the judge, glancing at his
notes.

The answer was a simple inclination of the body.

"And thou art the headsman of the canton of Berne?"

A similar silent reply was given.

"The office is hereditary in thy family; it has been so for ages?"

Balthazar erected his frame, breathing heavily, like one oppressed at the
heart, but who would bear down his feelings before he answered.

"Herr Châtelain," he said with energy, "by the judgment of God it has been
so."

"Honest Balthazar, thou throwest too much emphasis into thy words,"
interposed the bailiff. "All that belongs to authority is honorable, and
is not to be treated as an evil. Hereditary claims, when venerable by time
and use, have a double estimation with the world, since it brings the
merit of the ancestor to sustain that of the descendant. We have our
rights of the bürgerschaft, and thou thy rights of execution. The time has
been when thy fathers were well content with their privilege."

Balthazar bowed in submission; but he seemed to think any other reply
unnecessary. The fingers of Sigismund writhed on the hilt of his sword,
and a groan, which the young man well knew had been wrested from the bosom
of his mother, came from the women.

"The remark of the worthy and honorable bailiff is just," resumed the
Valaisan; "all that is of the state is for the good of the state, and all
that is for the comfort and security of man is honorable. Be not ashamed,
therefore, of thy office, Balthazar, which, being necessary, is not to be
idly condemned; but answer faithfully and with truth to the questions I am
about to put.--Thou hast a daughter?"

"In that much, at least, have I been blessed!"

The energy with which he spoke caused a sudden movement in the judges.
They looked at each other in surprise, for it was apparent they did not
expect these touches of human feeling in a man who lived, as it were, in
constant warfare with his fellow-creatures.

"Thou hast reason," returned the châtelain, recovering his gravity; "for
she is said to be both dutiful and comely. Thou wert about to marry this
daughter?"

Balthazar acknowledged the truth of this by another inclination.

"Didst thou ever know a Vévaisan of the name of Jacques Colis?"

"Mein Herr, I did. He was to have become