aids,
laugh merrily. In the afternoons, in the saloon of the duchess, he
astonished and enraptured the whole court circle by improvising upon any
given theme, and by the tasteful and artistic manner in which he sang
the national ballads he had learned on his journeys through Italy,
Germany, and Russia. At other times, he conversed with the duke upon
philosophy and state policy; and he was amazed at the varied information
and wisdom of this young man, who seemed an experienced soldier and an
adroit diplomat, a profound statesman, and a learned historian. By his
dazzling talents, he not only interested but enchained his listeners.

The duke felt sadly that it was not possible to retain the prisoner
longer in Coslin. Three days of rest was the utmost that could be
granted Trenck, without exciting suspicion. He sighed, as he told Trenck
that his duty required of him to send him further on his dark journey.

Trenck received this announcement with perfect composure, with calm
self-possession. He took leave of the duke and duchess, and thanked them
gayly for their gracious reception.

"I hope that my imprisonment will be of short duration, and then your
highness will, I trust, allow me to return to you, and offer the thanks
of a free man."

"May we soon meet again!" said the duke, and he looked searchingly upon
Trenck, as if he wished to read his innermost thoughts. "As soon as
you are free, come to me. I will not forsake you, no matter under what
circumstances you obtain your freedom."

Had Trenck observed the last emphatic words of the duke, and did he
understand their meaning? The duke did not know. No wink of the eyelid,
not the slightest sign, gave evidence that Trenck had noticed their
significance. He bowed smilingly, left the room with a firm step, and
entered the carriage.

The duke called back the ordnance officer who was to conduct him to the
next station.

"You have not forgotten my command?" said he.

"No, your highness, I have not forgotten; and obedience is a joyful
duty, which I will perform punctually."

"You will repeat this command, in my name, to the officer at the next
station, and commission him to have it repeated at every station where
my regiments are quartered. Every one shall give Trenck an opportunity
to escape, but silently; no word must be spoken to him on the subject.
It must depend upon him to make use of the most favorable moment. My
intentions toward him must be understood by him wi