here, in Prussia, it can
bear no fruit. The people here have nothing to do with politics; the
king reigns alone. The people are nothing but a mass of subjects, who
obey implicitly his commands, even when they know, that in so doing,
they rush on destruction."

"Giurgenow has failed, and he might have counted upon failure! If you,
Belleville, had resorted to these means, I could have understood it. In
France, the people play an important role in politics. In order to put
down the government, you must work upon the people. You might have been
forgiven for this attempt, but Giurgenow never!"

"You believe, then, that he is manoeuvring here, in Berlin, in the
interest of his government?" said Belleville, amazed.

Ranuzi laughed heartily. "That is a fine and diplomatic mode of
expressing the thing!" said he. "Yes, he is here in the interest of his
government; but when the Prussian government becomes acquainted with
this fact, they will consider him a spy. If discovered, he will be hung.
If successful, when once more at liberty, he may receive thanks and
rewards from Russia. See, now, how rightly I have prophesied! There
is Giurgenow, standing by the side of the prophetess, and I imagine I
almost hear the words he is whispering to her. She will commence again
to prophesy, but in a less violent and fanatical manner."

"No, no; she will prophesy no more! The police are breaking their way
forcibly through the crowd. They do not regard the cries of fear and
suffering of those they are shoving so violently aside. These are
the servants of the police; they will speedily put an end to this
prophesying. Already the people are flying. Look how adroitly Giurgenow
slips away, and does not condescend to give a glance to the poor
prophetess he inspired. Only see how little respect these rough
policemen have for these heaven-inspired prophets! They seize them
rudely, and bear them off. They will be punished with, at least,
twenty-four hours' arrest. In Prussia, this concourse and tumult of
the people is not allowed. Come, monsieur, let us close the window;
the comedy is over. The prophets are in the watch-house. Their role is
probably forever played out!" said Belleville, smilingly.

"Not so; they will recommence it to-morrow. These same prophets have
high and mighty protectors in Berlin; the police will not dare to
keep them long under arrest. The Princess Amelia will demand her
fortune-teller."

"Vraiment, monsieur le comte," said