"
"Well, then," said the prince, smiling, "we must not allow the
horses and costumes to await us any longer. Come, gentlemen, we will
ride to Berlin."
"Really it was hard to get him off," murmured Pollnitz, as he
regained the street, and saw the three young men fading in the
distance. "The good prince had quite a dutiful emotion; if the king
only knew it, he would forgive him all, and renounce the idea of his
marriage. But that would not suit me--my debts would not be paid! I
must not tell the king of his brother's inward struggle."
"Well!" said the king, as Pollnitz entered, "has my brother really
gone to Berlin?"
"Yes, your majesty, and accompanied by the two Messieurs--"
"Silence!" cried the king, hastily; "I do not wish to know their
names, I should have to punish them also. He has then gone, and
without any hesitation, any reluctance?"
"Yes, sire, without hesitation. He thinks he has the right to go
where he pleases, and to amuse himself as he can."
"Order the carriage, Pollnitz," said the king. "Without doubt my
brother has taken the shortest road to Berlin?"
"Yes, sire."
"Then there is no danger of our meeting them and being recognized;
and as we have relays on the road, we will reach Berlin before
them.
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