I went back to my cell with a lightened heart. I was, however, a little disconcerted on my return by the courier, who related an anecdote of a groom of his acquaintance, who had persisted in smoking a cigar while passing a sentinel; and who, in punishment therefor, had been beaten by a number of soldiers, with willow rods; and whose yells of pain had been heard far beyond the prison walls. What an anticipation! Was I to be similarly served? I thought it rather a suspicious circumstance that my new friend appeared to be thoroughly conversant with all the details (I suspect from personal experience) of the police and prison system of Vienna. He told me (but I had no means of testing the correctness of his information) that there were twenty Ratherrn, or Councillors; that each had his private chamber, and was assisted by a confidential secretary; that every offender underwent a private examination by the Rath appointed to investigate his case--the Rath having the power to call all witnesses, and to examine them, singly, or otherwise, as he thought proper; that on every Thursday the "Rathsherrn" met in conclave; that each Rath brought forward the particular cases which he had investigated, explained all its bearings, attested his report by documentary evidence prepared by his secretary, and pronounced his opinion as to the amount of punishment to be inflicted. The question was then decided by a majority.
On the third day, I was suddenly summoned before the Rath, and found myself side by side with my accuser. He was in private clothes.
"Herr Tuci," exclaimed the Rath, trying to pronounce my name, but utterly disguising it, "you have misinformed me. The constable says he did not _knock_ your hat off--he only _pulled_ it off."
I adhered to my statement. The Polizerdiener nudged my elbow, and whispered, "Don't be alarmed--it will not go hard with you."
"Now, constable," said the Rath; "what harm have you suffered in this affair?"
"From my nose," interposed the Polizerdiener.
"In any case it will wash out," said the Rath.
"And you," he added, turning to me--"are you willing to indemnify this man for damage done?"
On the following morning I was again summoned to the Rath's chamber. His secretary--who was alone--met me with smiles and congratulations: he announced to me the sentence--four days' imprisonment. I am afraid I did not evince that degree of pleasure which was expected from me; but I thanked him; was removed; and, in another hour, was reconducted to Punishment Room, No. 1.