Kaphengst thought a moment. He was convinced it was the king that
spoke with him, for Frederick had not attempted to disguise his
voice. Kaphengst knew he was discovered. There remained nothing for
him but to try and reconcile the king by a jest.

He bowed close to the king, and whispered: "Listen, mask--as you
have recognized me, I will acknowledge the truth. Yes, I am
Lieutenant von Kaphengst, and am incognito. You understand me--I
came to this ball incognito. He is a scoundrel who repeats it!" and,
without awaiting an answer, he hastened away to seek the prince and
Baron Kalkreuth, acquaint them with the king's presence, and fly
with them from his anger.

But Prince Henry, whose fruitless search for his sweetheart had made
him angry and defiant, declared he would remain at the ball until it
was over, and that it should be optional with the king to insult his
brother openly, and to punish and humble a prince of his house
before the world.

"I, unfortunately, do not belong to the princes of the royal house,
and I therefore fear that the king might regard me as the cat who
had to pull the hot chestnuts from the ashes, and I might suffer for
all three. I therefore pray your highness to allow me to withdraw."

"You may go, and if you meet Kalkreuth, ask him to accompany you.
You officers must not carry your insubordination any further. I, as
prince, and Hohenzollern, dare the worst, but, be assured, I shall
pay for my presumption. Farewell, and hasten! Do not forget
Kalkreuth."