ince Frederick William," p. 18.] Herr Behnisch did not punish me;
he only said, another time, that I should do better, and not be so
taciturn, but greet the gentlemen in a more friendly manner. I must tell
you, sire, that when Herr Behnisch does not scold, it is a sure sign
that I have behaved pretty well; and this time he did not."

"Fritz, I believe you," said the king, "and you shall have the reward
that you asked for--stay here and play a little while. Go, now, and call
your tutor; I have a few words to say to him."

The little prince sprang toward the door, but suddenly stopped,
embarrassed.

"What is the matter?" asked the king. "Why do you not call your tutor?"

"Sire, I am very much troubled. Herr Behnisch will be very angry when
you tell him about the shuttlecock. I beg you not to betray me!"

"Yes, but if you will play before me, you must get the plaything which
you say is in his pocket."

"Sire, then I had rather not play," cried the prince.

"On the contrary," said the king, "your punishment shall be, to take the
plaything as cleverly out of the pocket as you put it in. If you do it
well, then I will say nothing about it; but, if your tutor discovers
you, then you must submit to the storm. It lies in your own hands.
Whilst I am conversing with the tutor, try your luck. Now call him in."

The prince obeyed thoughtfully, and the tutor entered. He stood near
the door, and made the three prescribed bows; then he waited with a
submissive air for further commands.

The king was sitting opposite the door, his hands folded upon his staff
and his chin resting upon his hands, looking the tutor full in the face.
Herr Behnisch bore it calmly; not a feature moved in his angular,
wooden face. Near the tutor stood the little prince, his graceful, rosy,
childlike face expressing eager expectation.

"Approach!" said the king.

Herr Behnisch stepped forward a little, and remained standing. The
prince glided noiselessly after him, keeping his eyes fixed on the tails
of the flesh-colored satin coat with which the tutor had adorned himself
for this extraordinary occasion. The prince smiled as he saw the pocket
open and the feathers of the shuttlecock peeping out. He stretched out
his little hand and crooked his fingers to seize it.

"Come nearer! Herr Behnisch," said Frederick, who had observed the
movement of the little prince, and who was amused at the thought of
keeping him in suspense a little longer.

Herr Be