countenance appeared between the silk curtains. The Elector
saw this by a furtive glance, and again something like a smile passed over
his countenance.

Turning to the second gentleman, he continued: "You, Wolfgang von Kreytz,
will present my most submissive and respectful greetings to the King of
Poland, and acquaint him with the fact that I take my predecessor's place
as duke in the dukedom of Prussia. Inform him that I recognize the King as
lord paramount, and humbly sue for investiture. Tell him that I have
hitherto forborne to perform the functions of ruler, and committed the
government to a board of regency, and am meanwhile striving with the
greatest diligence to acquire a knowledge of the rights and privileges of
the land. Pay, both of you, the most polite and friendly court to the King
and all his ministers. Asseverate everywhere that we know right well that
our succession in Prussia depends wholly upon the King's choice, and that
we would naturally desire to present ourselves in person and swear
allegiance to his Majesty. And after you have impressed all these
statements fully upon his mind, add that to our deepest regret we can not
come immediately, on account of the bad condition of our hereditary
estates and manifold business pertaining to the Roman Empire, which just
now prevent us from undertaking the journey. Then petition for a gracious
dispensation from personal attendance, and request his Majesty to grant a
written order for the feoffment. Should the King make known to you through
his counselors that he will not grant this written order, then desire a
private audience of the King, and represent to him that we have been
forced to assume the government, and deprecate his displeasure. Wait also
upon the most prominent ministers, and represent the same thing to them.
By your eloquence and zeal I hope that you will accomplish your purpose,
and bring me the investiture. To this end spare neither flattery nor fair
words."

"Most gracious sir," asked John von Kospoth, with a meaning smile, "but
if, unfortunately, flattery and fair words prove of no avail, what must we
do then?"

"You answer that question for me, Wolfgang von Kreytz," said the Elector.

"Most gracious sir," exclaimed the young baron spiritedly, "if all
entreaties and persuasions fail to move, I think it will be time to assert
your Electoral dignity, and to have recourse to a little threatening. We
should give the King of Poland to understa