leap the rank of major and obtain a regiment.'

'I fear on the contrary,' answered Arwed gloomily, 'that I can no
longer honorably remain a Swedish officer. But that is the least. A
being, dearer to me than all others, can now hope for help and
consolation from me alone. I must instantly proceed to Stockholm, even
should I be compelled to desert from the army for that purpose.'

'There is yet no necessity for that,' said Duecker. 'The guards break
up to-day for Stockholm, and will proceed there in advance of the
remainder of the forces. Therefore do nothing precipitately. If your
wish for a discharge should continue, I will endeavor to obtain its
accomplishment at a proper time. Such a request, just at this time,
would only render you suspected and hated, and would probably be
unsuccessful.'

'That is the voice of a father,' said Arwed feelingly, 'You best know
what is the most proper course for me, and I willingly hearken to you.'

At that moment the field music was heard in the distance sounding a
wild alarm, and the thunder of the artillery through the city
accompanied the peal like a powerful bass.

'What is that?' asked Brenner with surprise.

'The prince has operated suddenly and powerfully,' answered Duecker;
'more suddenly and energetically to obtain Sweden's crown for his wife,
than to obtain a victory over Sweden's enemies. The army is won, and
Ulrika is queen. That is what the thunder of the cannon denotes.'

CHAPTER XVI.

The guards had marched into Stockholm. Arwed had performed all the
duties of his service, and now flew towards the Blasiusholm to the
house of the post-captain who had freely received and sheltered the
deserted daughters of the unhappy Goertz. The moment he mentioned his
name he was shown into Georgina's room. With a pale face and wasted
frame she came forward to meet him. Ardently would he have folded her
in his arms, but she held back and merely presented to him her thin
white hand, whose icy coldness filled him with alarm.

'Thou hast not saved my father?' asked she with a trembling voice.

'By my honor!' cried Arwed, grieved at the silent reproach conveyed by
the question; 'I did every thing in my power, but hard fate was
stronger than my honest endeavors.'

'I must believe it,' answered Georgina, 'and thank you for your good
intentions. If you are yet willing to make further efforts in my
behalf, procure for me through your influence an