“Now, my friends,” he continued, “now am I ready for flight.  Let us consider what is to be done.”

“Gracious sir, I have already considered,” replied Wallenrodt warmly, “and I hope you will approve my plan.  You can not make use of the subterranean passage by day, for, as I said before, it has its outlet in the center of the park, and if you pass through the lower garden gate in safety, you have still to go through the suburbs of Cologne.  Every one would recognize you, and who knows whether Colonel von Burgsdorf may not have placed sentinels there too?  You must, therefore, make your escape by night.  I, on the contrary, dressed as a simple burgher, will take advantage of the subterranean passage now, and, watching my opportunity, when the street is quiet will leave the park and go away.”

“Where are you going, Wallenrodt?”

“To Spandow, gracious sir, to Colonel von Rochow.  I want to inform him of the course events have taken—­to tell him that you are forced to leave Berlin.  When nightfall comes your grace will be pleased to go through the subterranean passage in company with Herr von Waldow, emerge into the park, and then proceed up the street.  Without especial haste, for any appearance of haste might excite remark, you will go to the Willow-bank Gate.  Outside I will await you with two saddled horses.  These you will mount, and ride at full gallop to Spandow, where Herr von Rochow will be ready to receive your grace.  From that place the count can depart when so disposed.”

“Your plan is good and feasible,” said the count.  “I accept it.  Hasten, therefore, good friend, hasten to Colonel von Rochow with tidings of what has befallen us here.  Tell him that the time for hesitancy and delay has passed, that the hour of action has come.  He has hitherto manfully refused to give in his oath to the Elector, and therefore the fortress of Spandow belongs to the Emperor, the sworn lord of its commandant, rather than to the Elector of Brandenburg.  The walls of the Imperial fort will afford us protection and security, and from that point we can begin our contest with the enemy, who has so treacherously attacked us.  Be off, my Wallenrodt, be off, and may we meet to-night in freedom and joy!”

“Only forget not to arm yourself, gracious sir, and take care that no one watches and pursues you.”

“I shall precede the count with two loaded pistols,” cried Herr von Waldow.  “I will shoot down whoever shall dare to oppose him, and open a free path for him to the Willow-bank Gate, where you will be waiting for us, Wallenrodt.”

“We will both go armed and defend ourselves bravely,” said Count Adolphus Schwarzenberg.  “We would rather die than fall into the hands of our enemies.  Go now, Wallenrodt, for you have verily a long way before you.  The road to Spandow is long.”

“In three hours I shall be there, honored sir.  We shall then have ample time to make our preparations for defense, and meet you here at twilight with horses.  Come now, gentlemen, that I may show you the approach to the subterranean passage.  It is in the little corridor next your late father’s cabinet.”