For they at least will escape the fate of poor Hans Pulitz." Now sorely do I wonder, at this distance of time, that they did not slay me in good earnest.

But I have learned from that night in the Inn of the Swan that when defiance has to be made, it is ever best to deal in no half-measures.

And, besides, coming from the Red Tower of the Wolfsberg, their precious Society of the White Wolf, with its mummery and flummery, filled me with a hot contempt.
"Kneel down!" cried the judge; "lay your head on the block! It has often been wet with the blood of traitors, never with that of a blacker traitor than Hugo Gottfried!" So with that those about me thrust me forward and forced my head down.

I was obliged to clasp the block with both my hands.

As I did so I felt it well all over.