the
trumpet-call like the oldest soldier of the troop."

"You will return to-morrow," said I, recovering myself suddenly, and
endeavoring to appear composed and at ease. "Well, then, to-night I
shall give you an answer for the general; be here at eight o'clock."

I saw that my troubled air and broken voice had not escaped the
soldier's notice, and was glad when the door closed, and I was again
alone.

My first care was to write to the general; nor was it till after many
efforts I succeeded to my satisfaction in conveying, in a few and simple
words, the reasons of that step which must imbitter my future life. I
explained how deeply continued mistrust had wounded me; how my spirit,
as a soldier and a gentleman, revolted at the espionage established over
my actions; that it was in weighing these insults against the wreck of
all my hopes, I had chosen that path which had neither fame nor rank nor
honor, but still left me an untrammelled spirit and a mind at peace with
itself. "I have now," said I, "to begin the world anew, without one clew
to guide me. Every illusion with which I had invested life has left me;
I must choose both a career and a country, and bear with me from this
nothing but the heartfelt gratitude I shall ever retain for one who
befriended me through weal and woe, and whose memory I shall bless while
I live."

I felt relieved and more at ease when I finished this letter; the
endeavor to set my conduct in its true light to another had also its
effect upon my own convictions. I knew, besides, that I had sacrificed
to my determination all my worldly prospects, and believed that where
self-interest warred with principle, the right course could scarcely be
doubtful.

All this time, not one thought ever occurred to me of how I was to meet
the future. It was strange; but so perfectly had the present crisis
filled my mind, there was not room for even a glance at what was to
come.

My passport was made out for Paris, and thither I must go. So much was
decided for me without intervention on my part; and now it only remained
for me to dispose of the little trappings of my former estate, and take
the road.

The Jews who always accompanied the army, offered a speedy resource in
this emergency. My anxiety to leave Berlin by daybreak, and thus avoid
a meeting of any acquaintances there, made me accept of the sums they
offered. To them such negotiations were of daily occurrence, and they
well knew how to profit b