r Bischofswerder worked daily, many hours, to discover the great
hope of the alchemist--the philosopher's stone. Not finding it,
unfortunately, they brewed all sorts of miraculous drinks, which were
welcome to the prince as the elixir of eternal youth and constant love.
In the evenings they communed with the spirits of the distinguished
departed, which, moved at the earnest prayers of Woellner, and the
fervent exhortation of the crown prince, always had the goodness to
appear, and witness their satisfaction for their much-loved son, as they
called him, for continuing brave and faithful, and not falling into the
unholy snares of the seductress.

The crown prince, however, experienced not the least self-contentment.
Each day renewed the yearning for the beloved of his youth and for his
children, for which those of his wife were no compensation--neither the
silent, awkward Prince Frederick William, nor his crying little brother.
In his dreams he saw Wilhelmine dissolved in tears, calling upon him in
most tender accents, and when he awoke, it was to an inconsolable grief.
He wept with heart-felt sorrow; his oath alone kept him from hastening
to her; it bound him, and fettered his earnest wish to see her, making
him sad and melancholy.

The spirits had no pity nor mercy upon him. His two confidants
encouraged his virtue and piety from morning till night, exalting his
excited fancy with their marvellous relations and apparitions.

One day as they were on the point of commencing the morning prayers to
the Invisibles, a royal footman appeared, with the command to betake
themselves to Sans-Souci, where the king awaited them.

A royal carriage was in attendance to convey them. There was no
alternative but obedience.

"Perhaps Fate destines us to become martyrs to the holy cause," said
Woellner, devoutly folding his hands.

"We may never enjoy the happiness of seeing our dear brothers of the
confederacy again," sighed Bischofswerder. "Our spirits will always be
with you, my prince, and the Invisible Fathers will protect you in all
your ways."

The crown prince, deeply moved, separated from his friends with tears
in his eyes; but as the carriage rolled away he felt relieved as of an
oppressive burden, and breathed more freely.

At the same time a footman entered, bearing upon a golden salver a
letter for the prince. Unobserved and free to act, he read it, and as he
sat musingly thinking over its contents, so tender and aff