rely wounded."

"It follows then," said the Marquis Montalembert, the French
commissioner between the courts of Vienna, Petersburg, and Paris, "it
follows then, that the king of Prussia has forty thousand dead and
wounded, and, consequently, his little army is utterly destroyed."

"Who knows?" said Soltikow; "the king of Prussia is accustomed to sell
his defeats dearly. I should not be at all surprised if he had lost
fewer soldiers than we have." [Footnote: Soltikow's own words--See
Archenholtz, p 206.] "Well, I think he has now nothing more to lose,"
said the marquis, laughing; "it rests with you to give the last coup de
grace to this conquered and flying king, and forever prevent--"

The entrance of an officer interrupted him. The officer announced
General von Loudon.

Soltikow arose, and advanced to the door to welcome the Austrian
general. A proud smile was on his face as he gave his hand to Loudon; he
did this with the air of a gracious superior who wished to be benevolent
to his subordinate.

The quick, firm glance of Loudon seemed to read the haughty heart of
his ally, and, no doubt for this reason, he scarcely touched Soltikow's
hand. With erect head and proud step he advanced into the middle of the
room.

"I resolved to come to your excellency," said Loudon, in a sharp,
excited tone; "you have a large room, while in my hut I could scarcely
find accommodation for you and your adjutants."

"You come exactly at the right hour," said Soltikow, with a haughty
smile; "you see, we were about to hold a council of war, and consider
what remains to be done."

A dark and scornful expression was seen in Loudon's countenance, and his
eyes rested fiercely upon the smiling face of Soltikow.

"Impossible, general! you could not have held a council of war without
me," said he, angrily.

"Oh, be composed, general," said Soltikow, smiling, "I would, without
doubt, have informed you immediately of our conclusions."

"I suppose you could not possibly have come to any conclusion in my
absence," said Loudon, the veins in whose forehead began to swell.

Soltikow bowed low, with the same unchanged and insolent smile.

"Let us not dispute about things which have not yet taken place, your
excellency. The council of war had not commenced, but now that you are
here, we may begin. Allow me, however, first to sign these dispatches
which I have written to my gracious sovereign, announcing the victory
which the Russian troops h