Hopeless Night: Day 6

Word Count: 36,015

Summary of Events:
Chapter 11:
The trial continued, working to determine if the time of the manservant's death was the same as that of Magnus and Georg shooting at the deer — involving a lot of switching between questioning Georg and Councillor Hausierer — and finally determining they were at the same time.
Chapter 12:
Herr Hahn started bringing forward previously interviewed members of the Councillor's hunting party who were professing they saw Magnus shoot the manservant, but Herr Dichter exposed them to have been bribed. Emma watched Herr Reiter working with one of his colts and had an epiphany about how to help Josepha in the kitchen.

Excerpt of the Day:
"Magnus glanced over at Herr Hahn. His face was stoically bored as he regarded the judge and Herr Dichter. Magnus felt rather suspicious about Herr Hahn, though. He'd seemed quick to absolve himself of the blame. He'd probably get punished if he were convicted, though, Magnus was pretty sure.
"Let us bring forth the other witnesses that Herr Hahn has called up," the judge said.
Herr Hahn startled. "But Euer Gnaden–"
"Let us see if they have all received notices the same as this," the judge continued, interrupting Herr Hahn — and also giving Herr Hahn no recognition.
Herr Hahn got to his feet and opened his mouth to protest.
"I will not hear any objections Herr Hahn," the judge said. "We must examine this bribery. And if you wish for us not to do so, then perhaps you would like to explain what you might know about it?"
Herr Hahn stared at the judge for a few moments, his mouth agape. He snapped his mouth shut, broke his gaze with the judge, and shook his head before finally stepping forward.
"It appears that I, too, have been victimized," Herr Hahn said, striding forward.
Herr Dichter stepped back towards Magnus and the table with a look of intrigue on his face.
"I was given word from one of the paid messenger-boys who runs around town, that some of the members of the hunting party had given false testimonies, and that I ought to call them up and coerce them to reveal the truth — which didn't turn out to be a hard coercion — and he told me the name of every man who had spoken falsely at first: men who had actually spoken truthfully at first, but have obviously since been bribed to speak falsehood for the sake of convicting this youth who is being tried. Herr Dichter, I must admit, I am beginning to find your theory of the stolen arrow more credible with every passing day."
Herr Dichter looked unimpressed, but he said nothing, and made no indication of anything either. The judge nodded and Herr Hahn resumed his seat. Herr Dichter did the same.
"Let the other witnesses be called forth," the judge said.
Herr Dichter leaned over to Magnus. "Herr Hahn should be the descendant of a dither, he's got the silver tongue for it."
"He's lying?" Magnus whispered.
"It isn't the first time," Herr Dichter replied. "But I will get him for it, I assure you of that much. This time I will finally get him for it."
Magnus considered possibly asking Herr Dichter what he meant, but being as Herr Dichter probably wanted to concentrate on the witnesses being reexamined — and to reexamine them himself — he stayed silent. Herr Hahn had lied before? Did the judges not know about it? How could the possibly not know? Or, if Herr Hahn was behind the bribing, had he bribed them as well?"