opened, perceived the king standing in a threatening attitude near
the door, with his crutch raised in his hand.

"What is the matter? Why is the king so furious? What orders do you
bring us from his majesty?" asked the gentlemen anxiously and
hurriedly.

The servant assumed a terrified expression, and said:

"His majesty is outrageous to-day. Woe unto him over whom the cloud
bursts. He commanded me to say that each of you must enter the room
alone. Go now, for Heaven's sake, and do not keep the king waiting!"

The gentlemen glanced into each other's pale and hesitating
countenances. They had all seen the threatening appearance of the
king, as he stood by the door with his raised crutch, and no one
wished to be the first to pass under the yoke.

"Your grace has the precedence," said the grand chamberlain, bowing
to the Duke of Holstein.

"No," he replied, "you are well aware his majesty does not regard
etiquette, and would be most indignant if we paid any attention to
it. Go first yourself, my dear friend."

"Not I, your grace, I would not dare to take precedence of you all.
If you decline the honor, it is due to General Schwerin. He should
lead on the battle."

"There is no question of a battle," said General Schwerin, "but a