e
punished. Yes, everywhere I have had my spies, and thanks to them, the
king knows Saxony's, Austria's, and Russia's intentions. I paid these
spies with my own gold. Your highness may thus perceive that I am not
entirely dependent on those jewels of my wife which are said to be in
the Empress of Russia's possession."

At this moment the Prince of Prussia, who had been a silent witness to
this scene, approached General Winterfeldt.

"General," said he, in a loud, solemn voice, "you are the cause of
this unfortunate war which will soon devastate our poor land. The
responsibility falls upon your head, and woe to you if this war, caused
by your ambition, should be the ruin of our beloved country! I would, if
there were no punishment for you on earth, accuse you before the throne
of God, and the blood of the slaughtered sons of my country, the blood
of my future subjects, would cry to Heaven for revenge! Woe to you it
this war should be the ruin of Prussia!" repeated Prince Henry. "I could
never forgive that; I would hold your ambition responsible for it, for
you have access to the king's heart, and instead of dissipating his
distrust against these foreign nations, you have endeavored to nourish
it--instead of softening the king's anger, you have given it fresh
food."

"What I have done," cried Winterfeldt, solemnly raising his right hand
heavenward--"what I have done was done from a feeling of duty, from love
of my country, and from a firm, unshaken trust in my king's star, which
cannot fade, but must become ever more and more resplendent! May God
punish me if I have acted from other and less noble motives!"

"Yes, may God punish you--may He not revenge your crime upon our poor
country!" said Prince Augustus William. "I have said my last upon this
sad subject. From now on, my private opinions are subdued--I but obey
the king's commands. What he requires of me shall be done--where he
sends me I will go, without questioning or considering, but quietly and
obediently, as it becomes a true soldier. I hope that you, my brother,
Marshal Schwerin, and General Retzow, will follow my example. The king
has commanded, we have but to obey cheerfully."

Then, arm in arm, the princes left the audience-room and returned to
Berlin.

CHAPTER X. THE LAUREL-BRANCH.

While this last scene was passing in the audience-room, the king had
retired to his study, and was walking up and down in deep thought. His
countenance was stern