It appeared soon after, from accounts in the newspapers, that the
whole history of the King of Prussia's fictitious journey originated
in mere idle report. But a king I was, and a king I must remain by
all means; and one of the richest and most royal, although people
were at a loss to know where my territories lay.

The world has never had reason to lament the scarcity of monarchs,
particularly in these days; and the good people, who had never yet
seen a king, now fancied me to be first one, and then another, with
equal success; and in the meanwhile I remained as before, Count
Peter.

Among the visitors at this watering-place a merchant made his
appearance, one who had become a bankrupt in order to enrich
himself. He enjoyed the general good opinion; for he projected a
shadow of respectable size, though of somewhat faint hue.

This man wished to show off in this place by means of his wealth,
and sought to rival me. My purse soon enabled me to leave the poor
devil far behind. To save his credit he became bankrupt again, and
fled beyond the mountains; and thus I was rid of him. Many a one in
this place was reduced to beggary and ruin through my means.

In the midst of the really princely magnificence and profusion,
which carried all before me, my own style of living was very simple
and retired. I had made it a point to observe the strictest
precaution; and, with the exception of Bendel, no one was permitted,
on any pretence whatever, to enter my private apartment. As long as
the sun shone I remained shut up with him; and the Count was then
said to be deeply occupied in his closet. The numerous couriers,