"
"But he has recovered from his fright?" asked the king, in a tone of
sympathy.
"Yes, your majesty," said Kockeritz, "and he would not permit Timm
to accompany him to Sans-Souci. He felt strong enough to return to
Potsdam, and arrived here at the same time as we did."
"I suppose you have ordered him to say nothing about the whole
affair?"
"Yes, your majesty, and he swore he would not mention it."
"And now, gentlemen, give me your opinion. Field-Marshal Kalkreuth,
you have satisfied yourself now that the French really intended to
seize and abduct me to-night?"
"I have unfortunately satisfied myself that they made such an
attempt," said the field-marshal.
"And you, Kockeritz, believe so, too?"
"I do, your majesty; I am fully convinced that such an outrage was
in contemplation."
"And you, M. Chancellor of State?"
"I was confident of the existence of this plot before coming hither,
and every thing has confirmed it; yes, such an outrage was surely
intended. The French meant to seize your sacred person."
"Will your majesty permit me also to reply to this question?" said
Major Natzmer.
"What do you mean?" asked the king, surprised. "Have you not just
arrived? How can you pass an opinion on what occurred before your
arrival?"
"Your majesty, it is true I have just now come; but still I knew
what was to occur here, and what an infamous transaction was
planned," said Major Natzmer.
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