It is I who have brought you to these straits," said Max.

"Which is it to be, think you, Karl, liberty or death ?" "God only knows," I answered.
"For your sake, Karl, I hope He cares more than I.I would prefer death to the black cell I have just left." We went through many dark passageways and winding stairs to the audience hall.
When we entered the hall, the courtiers fell back, leaving an aisle from the great double doors to the ducal throne.

When we approached the duke, I bent my knee, but Max simply bowed.
"Kneel!" cried Campo-Basso, addressing Max.
"If my Lord of Burgundy demands that I kneel, I will do so, but it is more meet that he should kneel to me for the outrage that has been put upon me at his court," said Max, gazing unfalteringly into the duke's face.
"Who are you ?" demanded the duke, speaking to me.
"I am Sir Karl de Pitti," I replied.

"Your Grace may know my family; we are of Italy.

It was once my good fortune to serve under your father and yourself.