this decision I cannot be blamed. The law of nations and the
example of my allied enemies justify me fully. The Austrians have not
allowed any of my officers who have fallen into their hands to go to
Vienna. The Russians have sent their captives to Kasan. My enemies lose
no opportunity to give a false aspect to my acts; I have, therefore,
thought it wise to make known the causes which lead me to change my
policy with regard to the prisoners of war."

"FREDERICK."

Two of the officers, with whom we are acquainted, were not included in
this sentence of banishment.

One was Count Belleville. On the day that his comrades, deprived of
their swords, left Berlin, his corpse was carried through the outer
gate. The shot of Baron Marshal made an amputation necessary, and
death was the consequence. While his friends, whose condemnation he
had brought about, marched sadly to Spandau, his body was laid in
the "Friedhof." To the corpse had been granted a favor denied to the
living--his sword was allowed to deck his coffin.

The Austrian officer, Ranuzi, because of his wise and prudent conduct
and the powerful support he gave to Baron Marshal, was permitted to
remain in Berlin. Ranuzi received this permission with triumphant joy.
As he looked from his window at the prisoners marching toward Spandau,
he said with a proud smile--"It is written, 'Be wise as a serpent.'
These fools have not regarded the words of Holy Writ, and therefore they
are punished, while I shall be rewarded. Yes, my work will succeed! God
gives me a visible blessing. Patience, then, patience! A day will come
when I will take vengeance on this haughty enemy of the Church. On that
day the colors of the apostolic majesty of Austria shall be planted on
the fortress of Magdeburg!"

CHAPTER X. THE FIVE COURIERS.

It was the morning of the thirteenth of August. The streets of Berlin
were quiet and empty. Here and there might be seen a workman with his
axe upon his shoulder, or a tradesman stepping slowly to his comptoir.
The upper circle of Berlin still slumbered and refreshed itself after
the emotions and excitements of yesterday.

Yesterday had been a day of rejoicing; it had brought the news of
the great and glorious victory which the crown prince, Ferdinand of
Brunswick, had gained at Minden, over the French army under Broglie and
Contades.

The crown prince had ever remembered that great moment in the beginning
of the war, when his mother took leav