But as Gotzkowsky gave him a more detailed account, and related the sacrilegious barbarity which did not spare even the sacred art-treasures, the king’s brow became more darkened, and for a moment a burning flush of anger shot across his pale cheek.  At one time he raised his arm threateningly, as if he would bring down the thunderbolts of heaven upon such wickedness and ruthlessness.

As Gotzkowsky finished, the king said, curtly and vehemently, “Good, very good!” and traversing the room with hasty steps, he threw open the door which led into the antechamber, and called out, “Saldern!”

Immediately General von Saldern appeared at the open door.  The king commanded him to enter and shut the door; then, addressing him in a short, decisive tone:  “Go to-morrow, quietly, with a detachment of infantry and cavalry, to Hubertsburg, take possession of the castle, and have all the valuable furniture carefully inventoried and packed up.  I will have none of it.  The money obtained from its ransom will be turned over to the Lazaretto, and I will not forget you.”

There was a pause.  General von Saldern remained at the door motionless, in stiff military attitude.

The king looked at him with astonishment.  “Well! did you hear?”

“Yes, your majesty, I heard.  But, may it please your majesty, this is against my honor and my oath.”

The king compelled himself to be composed, for he loved General Saldern as a brave and noble officer.  “You would be right,” said he, “if I did not use this desperate means to a good object.  But let me tell you, the head of the great lord does not feel it if you tear out the hair of his subjects.  You must hit, then, where it hurts him; and that I intend to do.  The Elector of Saxony shall find out how it feels when one’s most cherished possession is destroyed.  We will teach him to be humane, and behave himself.  Go, therefore, to Hubertsburg, and do as I told you.”

General von Saldern turned pale, and his countenance was expressive of deep suffering, as he answered gravely and firmly:  “Your majesty may send me right off to attack the enemy and his batteries, and I will obey with my whole heart; but against my honor, my oath, and my duty, I cannot, dare not act.”

The king stamped with his foot, and his eye flashed with threatening anger.

“You must obey, as is your duty; you are bound to obey no other voice than that of your king who commands you,” said he with a voice of thunder.

General Saldern answered, calmly:  “But, sire, I must obey the voice of my honor!  Your majesty can easily transfer this commission to another.”

The king turned from him with an involuntary frown, and, walking up and down hastily, he stopped near Saldern, and laid his hand gently on his shoulder.  “Look ye, Saldern, obey—­go to Hubertsburg.”

“I cannot, sire!”

“You do not desire to enrich yourself?” said the king, as he turned away.  “Do you wish your discharge?  I have no use for soldiers who do not consider obedience their first duty.”