arrive at the right moment. The princes may enter."




CHAPTER IX.

THE KING AND HIS BROTHERS.


The door was thrown open and the princes entered. First came the
Prince of Prussia, whose pale, dejected countenance was to-day paler
and sadder than usual. Then Prince Henry, whose quick bright eyes
were fixed inquiringly on General Retzow. The general shrugged his
shoulders, and shook his head. Prince Henry must have understood
these movements, for his brow became clouded, and a deep red
suffused his countenance. The king, who had seen this, laughed
mockingly, and let the princes approach very close to him, before
addressing them.

"Sirs," said he, "I have called you here, because I have some
important news to communicate. The days of peace are over and war is
at hand!"

"War! and with whom?" said the Prince of Prussia, earnestly. "War
with our enemies!" cried the king. "War with those who have sworn
Prussia's destruction. War with Austria, France, Saxony, and
Russia!"

"That is impossible, my brother," cried the prince, angrily. "You