because of
his wounds," said Giurgenow, with a loud laugh. "Besides, Prince Henry
is averse to this war, all his sympathies are on our side. If the fate
of war should cost the King of Prussia his life, we would soon have
peace and leave this detestable Berlin--this dead, sandy desert, where
we are now languishing as prisoners."

"The god of war is not always complaisant," said the Frenchman, grimly.
"He does not always strike those whom we would gladly see fall; the
balls often go wide of the mark."

"Truly a dagger is more reliable," said Ranuzi, coolly.

The Russian cast a quick, lowering side glance upon him.

"Not always sure," said he. "It is said that men armed with daggers have
twice found their way into the Prussian camp, and been caught in the
king's tent. Their daggers have been as little fatal to the king as the
cannon-balls."

"Those who bore the daggers were Dutchmen," said Ranuzi, apathetically;
"they do not understand this sort of work. One must learn to handle the
dagger in my fatherland."

"Have you learned?" said Giurgenow, sharply.

"I have learned a little of every thing. I am a dilettanti in all."

"But you are master in the art of love," said Belleville, smiling. "Much
is said of your love-affairs, monsieur."

"Much is said that is untrue." said the Italian, quietly. "I love no
intrigues--least of all, love intrigues; while you, sir, are known as
a veritable Don Juan. I learn that you are fatally in love with the
beautiful maid of honor of the Princess Henry."

"Ah, you mean the lovely Fraulein von Marshal," said Giurgenow; "I have
also heard this, and I admire the taste and envy the good fortune of
Belleville."

"It is, indeed, true," said Belleville; "the little one is pretty, and
I divert myself by making love to her. It is our duty to teach these
little Dutch girls, once for all, what true gallantry is."

"And is that your only reason for paying court to this beautiful girl?"
said Giurgenow, frowningly.

"The only reason, I assure you," cried Belleville, rising up, and
drawing near the window. "But, look," cried he, hastily; "what a crowd
of men are filling the streets, and how the people are crying and
gesticulating, as if some great misfortune had fallen upon them!"

The two officers hastened to his side and threw open the window. A great
crowd of people was indeed assembled in the platz, and they were still
rushing from the neighboring streets into the wide, open square, in