Chapter 22 Summary

Cardinal Bem makes his way to Rywald, marveling at the number of people gathered for the event. As he is changing for the mass, Father Prisbek and Colonel Poulnikov surprise him and threaten him with pistols. Poulnikov reveals that he is actually Waldemar Keller. They insist that they do not want to harm Cardinal Bem but that he must not be allowed to give his speech. They attempt to inject him with something that will make him ill for several days, but he eludes them and is able to preside over the masses. Prime Minster Urban and Colonel Vrona show up unexpectedly and sit in the front row.

Archbishop Krasnoy makes a bold attempt to take over the microphone and give his speech, but Cardinal Bem gets to the microphone first and gives a speech reminding the people that they are free in...