As Arwed emerged from the trenches he was met by adjutant Kolbert. 'It
is well that I have found you,' said he eagerly: 'I have been some time
seeking you. Come directly with me.'

'Where?' asked Arwed with moody apathy.

'To general Duecker's,' quickly answered Kolbert.

'There are collected all those who in their hearts were truly devoted
to our fallen hero. The meeting relates to matters of the highest
consequence, which must be discussed in all haste. It is asked, who now
shall wear the crown in our good Sweden?'

'Has the army to decide that question?' asked Arwed earnestly.

'Certainly!' said Kolbert, 'and that according to the anciently
consecrated right of the sword, as formerly exercised by the praetorians
of Rome. Only come with me. There you will not only hear the _how_, but
the _wherefore_, about which, pedantlike, you always first ask.'

He drew Arwed with him towards general Duecker's quarters. They were
already crowded with generals and officers, who were engaged in low and
eager conversation. Suddenly they separated, forming a large circle,
into the middle of which stepped the worthy old Duecker.

'The king is dead!' said he with an agitated voice. 'In the midst of
your affliction for this great loss, I waive until a more suitable time
the important question,--How has the hero fallen? Our present duty is,
faithfully to guard the vacant throne as becomes faithful vassals and
warriors, and to take care that the crown be set upon a worthy head.
You know, comrades, that there are two hands which will be stretched
out for it, and in the opinion of many it is yet doubtful whether the
nephew or the sister of Charles has the best right. I am indeed
entirely convinced, that the son of the elder sister should take
precedence of the younger. But the heroes of the quill may hereafter
fight out these subtleties, if it should become necessary. At present I
abide simply by the will of my king, who has so often been our guiding
star in battle, as the pole star of heaven guides the mariner through
opposing storms. Charles had a father's love for his nephew, and was
reverenced with filial tenderness by him in return. He took him with
himself to the field, that he might under his own eyes train him to
become his worthy successor. For his sister he always had an aversion,
and the thought of female government was as hateful to him, as, since
the days of the apostate Christina, it must be to every true Swede.
Wher