ting for battle and bloody vengeance. "Tell me,
tell me! I wish to know all," said the king, laboring out each word,
and taking long strides up and down.

But as Gotzkowsky gave him a more detailed account, and related
the sacrilegious barbarity which did not spare even the sacred
art-treasures, the king's brow became more darkened, and for a moment
a burning flush of anger shot across his pale cheek. At one time
he raised his arm threateningly, as if he would bring down the
thunderbolts of heaven upon such wickedness and ruthlessness.

As Gotzkowsky finished, the king said, curtly and vehemently, "Good,
very good!" and traversing the room with hasty steps, he threw open
the door which led into the antechamber, and called out, "Saldern!"

Immediately General von Saldern appeared at the open door. The king
commanded him to enter and shut the door; then, addressing him in a
short, decisive tone: "Go to-morrow, quietly, with a detachment of
infantry and cavalry, to Hubertsburg, take possession of the castle,
and have all the valuable furniture carefully inventoried and packed
up. I will have none of it. The money obtained from its ransom will be
turned over to the Lazaretto, and I will not forget you."

There was a pause. General von Saldern remained at the door
motionless, in stiff military attitude.

The king looked at him with astonishment. "Well! did you hear?"

"Yes, your majesty, I heard. But, may it please your majesty, this is
against my honor and my oath."

The king compelled himself to be composed, for he loved General
Saldern as a brave and noble officer. "You would be right," said he,
"if I did not use this desperate means to a good object. But let me
tell you, the head of the great lord does not feel it if you tear out
the hair of his subjects. You must hit, then, where it hurts him; and
that I intend to do. The Elector of Saxony shall find out how it feels
when one's most cherished possession is destroyed. We will teach him
to be humane, and behave himself. Go, therefore, to Hubertsburg, and
do as I told you."

General von Saldern turned pale, and his countenance was expressive of
deep suffering, as he answered gravely and firmly: "Your majesty may
send me right off to attack the enemy and his batteries, and I will
obey with my whole heart; but against my honor, my oath, and my duty,
I cannot, dare not act."

The king stamped with his foot, and his eye flashed with threatening
anger.

"You must o