a suitable guard. Let the king rage; I
can stand it!" He nodded to an officer. "Listen, Von Wendt, take half
a company for a guard, and follow immediately behind the prince, to
Bautzen."

A few moments later, an officer sprang along the highway to Bautzen,
accompanied by his hussars; they soon overtook the prince, who greeted
them kindly.

"Schmettau," said he, "Death avoided me so long as I was on the
battle-field, now I bear him along with me; and thus must it be, till
the pale king of terrors carries me to another world." He turned his
eyes away from the Prussian camp, and rode slowly to Bautzen.

CHAPTER IX. THE LETTERS.

A few hours later a courier rode into the camp. He came from Bautzen,
and had a letter from the Prince of Prussia to his royal brother. The
king was still in his tent, busily engaged in looking over the army
list. He took his brother's letter, and, opening it with evident anger,
read:

"Your majesty's commands, and the incidents of our last meeting, have
taught me that I have lost my honor and my reputation. As I have nothing
to reproach myself with, this causes me much sorrow, but no humiliation.
I am convinced that I was not actuated by obstinacy, and that I did not
follow the advice of incompetent men. All the generals in the third army
corps commanded by me, will testify to this. I consider it necessary to
request your majesty to have my conduct investigated. Your majesty would
thereby do me a kindness. I have, therefore, no right to count upon it.
My health is much impaired since the war. I have withdrawn to Bautzen
for its restoration, and have requested the Duke of Bevern to give you
all the information relative to the army. In spite of my unhappiness,
my daily prayer is, and shall be, that every undertaking of your majesty
shall be crowned with glory."

"Your unhappy brother, AUGUSTUS WILLIAM."

The king read this letter several times; then taking up his pen, he
wrote hastily: "MY DEAR BROTHER: Your improper conduct has greatly
disturbed my equanimity. Not my enemies, but your want of principle, has
caused all these disasters. My generals are not to be excused. They have
either given you bad advice, or have agreed too readily to your foolish
plans. The one is as bad as the other. Your ears are accustomed to
flattery, my brother. Daun did not flatter you, and you now see the
consequences. But little hope remains. I shall commence the attack--if
we do not conquer, we shall d