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The Warden made a motion with his head and with his outstretched

hand, and, blinking, repeated, "Pro publico bono."

There was no more talk of Major Plut. Next day they sought vainly

for him in the yard, and vainly offered a reward for his body:

the Major had perished without leaving a trace behind, as though

he had fallen into the water; as to what had become of him there

were various rumours, but no one knew with certainty, either then

or later. In vain they tormented the Warden with questions; he

said nothing but these words, "_Pro publico bono_." The Seneschal

was in the secret, but, bound by his word of honour, the old man

kept silent as if under a spell.

After the conclusion of the agreement, Rykov left the room and

Robak had the warrior gentry called in, to whom the Chamberlain

gravely discoursed as follows:-