"This paper which I allowed myself to hand to your majesty, and
which you laid upon the table without reading."

"Ah, it is true! I forgot that in my excitement," said the king,
mildly. "I beg you to read me the contents of this paper."

Baron Weingarten received the paper from the king with a respectful
bow; his voice did not tremble in the least as he read the important
words which refined malice and cruel avarice had written there--
words which, if literally interpreted, would fully condemn Trenck.

The words were:

"'In consequence of a bet, I pledge myself to be in Konigsberg the
same day in which the King Frederick of Prussia, my cruel enemy and
persecutor, shall arrive there. I shall go there to do, in the
king's presence, that which no one has done before me, and which no
one will do after me. If I do not succeed in accomplishing my
purpose, or if I should be arrested, I have lost my bet, and shall
owe Baron Waltz one hundred louis d'or, which must be paid him by
the commissioners of the Trenck estate.'"

"'BARON FREDERICK VON TRENCK.'"

"And Trenck wrote this note himself?" said the king.

"If your majesty is acquainted with Trenck's handwriting, you will
perhaps have the goodness to examine it yourself."