I have prayed in
mercy for a ball; it came, but it only grazed my breast. No, no--
there is no ball for me!" He advanced, and the adjutant dared once
more to interrupt him.
"Sire," said he, "will not your majesty seek night-quarters?"
Frederick raised his head, and was in the act of answering hastily,
then said: "Yes, I need night-quarters." He looked around and saw an
empty peasant's house by the wayside, drew near and entered
silently.
CHAPTER XII.
A HEROIC SOUL.
"I will pass the night here," said he, "the place appears deserted;
we will disturb no one."
The king was right. The miserable old hut was empty. No one advanced
to meet him as he entered. In one corner of the room there was some
dirty straw; in the other a wooden table and stool--this was all.
"It suffices for me," said the king, smiling. "I will pass the night
here. Have you my writing materials with you?"
"I sent Adjutant von Goltz for them, sire, as I did not wish to
leave you alone."
Goltz now entered with the king's portfolio, and informed him that
he had brought two grenadiers to guard the house.
"Have I still grenadiers?" murmured the king, in a trembling voice.
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