When three free judges caught a malefactor in the very act, they could seize him, judge him, and inflict the penalty on the spot.  In other cases, when a tribunal considered that it should pursue an individual, it summoned him to appear before it.  The summons had to be written, without erasures, on a large sheet of vellum, and to bear at least seven seals—­that of the free count, and those of six free judges; and these seals generally represented either a man in full armour holding a sword, or a simple sword blade, or other analagous emblems (Figs. 325 to 327).  Two free judges delivered the summons personally where a member of the association was concerned; but if the summons affected an individual who was not of the Vehmic order, a sworn messenger bore it, and placed it in the very hands of the person, or slipped it into his house.  The time given for putting in an appearance was originally six weeks and three days at least, but at a later period this time was shortened.  The writ of summons was repeated three times, and each time bore a greater number of seals of free judges, so as to verify the legality of the instrument.  The accused, whether guilty or not, was liable to a fine for not answering the first summons, unless he could prove that it was impossible for him to have done so.  If he failed to appear on the third summons, he was finally condemned en corps et en honneur.

[Illustration:  Fig. 325.—­Seal of Herman Loseckin, Free Count of Medebach, in 1410.]

[Illustration:  Fig. 326.—­Seal of the Free Count, Hans Vollmar von Twern, at Freyenhagen, in 1476-1499.]

[Illustration:  Fig. 327.—­Seal of Johann Croppe, Free Count of Kogelnberg, in 1413.]

We have but imperfect information as to the formalities in use in the Vehmic tribunals.  But we know that the sittings were invested with a certain solemnity and pomp.  A naked sword—­emblematical of justice, and recalling our Saviour’s cross in the shape of its handle—­and a rope—­emblematical of the punishment deserved by the guilty—­were placed on the table before the president.  The judges were bareheaded, with bare hands, and each wore a cloak over his shoulder, and carried no arms of any sort.

[Illustration:  Fig. 328.—­The Duke of Saxony and the Marquis of Brandenburg.—­From the “Theatrum Orbis Terrarum sive Tabula veteris Geographiae,” in folio.  Engraved by Wieriex, after Gerard de Jode.]

The plaintiff and the defendant were each allowed to produce thirty witnesses.  The defendant could either defend himself, or entrust his case to an advocate whom he brought with him.  At first, any free judge being defendant in a suit, enjoyed the privilege of justifying himself on oath; but it having been discovered that this privilege was abused, all persons, of whatever station, were compelled to be confronted with the other side.  The witnesses, who were subpoened by either accuser or accused, had to give their evidence according