n his disciple,
and noiselessly disappeared. Herr von Bischofswerder still remained
kneeling. After some time he raised his head, shyly looking about, and,
as he found himself alone, he rose. "He has soared away," he murmured,
softly. "I shall see him again, and he will consecrate me--the
consecration of immortals!"

CHAPTER VII. THE MIRACULOUS ELIXIR.

The king withdrew from the parade slowly, followed by his generals, in
the direction of Sans-Souci. The streets of Potsdam were lined with the
people, shouting their farewell to the king, who received them with a
smiling face. Arriving at the grand entrance, he turned to his suite,
saying, "Gentlemen, we shall meet again in Bohemia; I must now take
leave of you, and forego the pleasure of receiving you again to-day. A
king about to leave for the field has necessary arrangements to make
for the future. I have much to occupy me, as I set out early to-morrow
morning. You, also, have duties to attend to. Farewell, gentlemen."

He raised his worn-out three-cornered hat, saluted his generals with a
slight inclination of the head, and turned into the broad avenue which
led to the park of Sans-Souci. No one followed him but two mounted
footmen, who rode at a respectful distance, attentively regarding the
king, of whom only the bowed back and hat were visible. Half way down
the avenue his staff was raised above his hat, the sign the footmen
awaited to dismount with the greyhounds, which rode before them upon the
saddle. At the shrill barking of the animals, Frederick reined in his
horse, and turned to look for them. They bounded forward, one upon
each side of the king, who regarded them right and left, saying: "Well,
Alkmene, well Diana, let us see who will be the lady of honor to-day."

Both dogs sprang with loud barking to the horse, as if understanding the
words of their master. Alkmene, stronger, or more adroit, with one bound
leaped to the saddle; while poor Diana landed upon the crouper, and,
as if ashamed, with hanging head and tail, withdrew behind the horse.
"Alkmene has won!" said Kretzschmar to his companion. "Yes, Alkmene is
the court-lady to-day, and Diana the companion," he nodded. "She will be
cross, and I do not blame her."

"Nor I," said Kretzschmar; "there is a great difference between the
court-lady and the companion. The lady remains with the king all day;
he plays with her, takes her to walk, gives her bonbons, and the choice
morsels of chicken,