When he was confronted with
his examiners, Father Michael bowed to the chatelain; 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 Chatelain," 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.
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