relief. The constant and rapid motion of his hands and arms imparted
a salutary warmth to his whole body, excited a gentle perspiration,
which quieted his nervous system, and soothed him in some of his
most fearful attacks.

To-day the king was once more freed from his enemy, the gout; this
evil spirit had been exorcised by honest labor, and its victim could
hope for a few painless hours.

The king raised himself from his chair, and with a loud cry of
delight extended his arms, as if he would gladly embrace the
universe. He commanded the servant, who was waiting in the adjoining
room, to call together the gentlemen who composed the Tobacco Club,
and to arrange every thing for a meeting of that august body.

"But those gentlemen are at the queen's ball," said the astonished
servant.

"Go there for them, then," said the king; "happily there are no
dancers among them; their limbs are stiff, and the ladies would be
alarmed at their capers if they attempted to dance. Bring them
quickly. Pollnitz must come, and Eckert, and Baron von Goltz, and
Hacke, the Duke of Holstein, and General Schwerin. Quick, quick! In
ten minutes they must all be here, but let no one know why he is
sent for. Whisper to each one that he must come to me, and that he
must tell no one where he is going. I will not have the queen's ball
disturbed. Quick, now, and if these gentlemen are not all here in
ten minutes, I will give a ball upon your back, and your own howls
will be the most appropriate music."