king, no doubt, considered that
these could be employed for the conquest of Livonia, and that the
addition of so large a territory to Poland would so add to his
popularity, that he would have no further troubles in his kingdom.

"Charles the Twelfth, being in ignorance of this secret agreement,
sent an embassy to Russia, to announce his accession to the throne.
The ambassadors were kept a long time waiting for an audience, as
the czar was bringing a war with the Turks to a conclusion, and did
not wish to throw off the mask until he was free to use his whole
force against Sweden. The ambassadors were, at last, received
civilly, but the czar evaded taking the usual oaths of friendship,
and, after long delays, the embassy returned to Sweden, feeling
somewhat disquieted as to the intentions of the czar, but having no
sure knowledge of them.

"The King of Poland was more successful in disguising his leaning
towards Denmark, sending the warmest assurances to Charles,
requesting him to act as mediator in the quarrel between himself
and the Duke of Brandenburg, and signing a treaty of alliance with
Sweden. But, while Sweden had no idea of the triple alliance that
had been formed against her, the intention of Denmark to make war
was evident enough, for King Christian was gathering a great naval
armament.

"The Duke of Holstein, becoming much alarmed at these preparations,
hastened on the fortifications of Tonningen, on the Eider, three
leagues from its mouth. The garrison of the place was a weak one,
and a thousand Swedish troops were thrown in to strengthen it. The
King of Denmark complained that this was a breach of the treaty,
but, as his own preparations for war were unmistakable, no one
could blame the Duke of Holstein for taking steps to defend his
territories.

"As you know, Christian of Denmark died about this time, and was
succeeded by his son Frederick the Fourth.

"Last August, he commenced the war, by sending a naval squadron to
cover the passage of four regiments into Pomerania. Charles of
Sweden, seeing that Holstein must be crushed by its powerful
neighbour, called upon Holland and the Duke of Lunenburg, who were
with Sweden guarantors of the treaty, to enforce its provisions;
and a joint protest was sent to the King of Denmark, who was
informed that, if he invaded Holstein, they should consider it a
breach of the Treaty of Altena, and treat him as a common enemy.
Frederick replied by sending some troops i