Chapter 51

Mastino crushed the parchment yet tighter in his hand, and walked up to Conrad, who shrank before his face. "Your sword, Count," he said. Conrad hesitated, bewildered. "You are no longer in my service; as my officer you wear that sword; as what you are, I demand it from you." And he held out his hand. In silence Conrad drew the weapon. Mastino took it, broke it, threw it on the floor. "And now go," he said. At last Conrad found his voice. "Lord!" he cried, "let me stay." "Go," said Mastino. "I will stay," faltered …