and a word of it, and soon convinced
himself that they were conversing in a language whose barbarous sounds
were unknown to him. 'What can all this mean?' he asked himself,
looking dubiously after the two officers until they disappeared from
his eyes into the trenches.

'The hour has elapsed,' suddenly observed some one near him. 'You may
as well go now to the king, sir captain.'

Arwed peered about him through the evening dusk, and thought he
perceived near him the tall, meagre form of Swedenborg.

'How came you here, sir, taking so active a part in my affairs?' asked
he morosely.

'I have perceived in you a strong mind and a pure heart,' answered
Swedenborg: 'and for that reason I consider you as one of those chosen
vessels of the Lord, of whom he has need in these wicked times.
Therefore I conjure you to repair instantly to the king and stir not
from his side until this night is past. I am convinced that there is
danger of most fearful doings, as I have recently observed appalling
signs in the heavens.'

'Spare me your astrological dreamings,' answered Arwed impatiently. 'So
long as God leaves me in possession of my senses, I can never give
credence to them.'

'Do you always judge so hastily and uncharitably, my young warrior?'
asked Swedenborg, mildly reproaching him: 'and do you absolutely
despise and reject every thing that your weak understanding cannot
comprehend? Know you the central power of nature, that point in
infinite space whence issue the streams of power in an eternal spiral
motion, bringing forth the forms of life and activity in endless
succession? And while you remain ignorant of all these things, how can
you presume to reject calculations founded upon this eternal basis?'

'I cannot argue with you,' answered Arwed, 'while I do not understand
you:--and, in the mean time, I must be permitted to consider as perfect
nonsense what you have been serving up to me as the highest wisdom.'

'Hold me and my doctrines in what light you please,' said Swedenborg,
'so you but fulfill my request. Lose not sight of the king, during this
night. The powers of hell are busy.'

'What can threaten the hero from which I may be able to defend him?'
asked Arwed.

'He who eats my bread tramples me under foot,' chanted Swedenborg, with
a deep hollow voice. 'Thus it happened to Gustavus, by the fourth rider
who left the camp with him. Do you know the tale from the faithful
Hastenfeld, of his king's assassination?'