“He has no gold for me, but I have his secret, and I will know how to squeeze some gold out of that,” murmured Pollnitz.  “Truly I think this secret of Trenck’s is worth some thousand thalers, and the king must find the means to pay for it.  But stop!  The hour of my interesting rendezvous draws near.  I am curious to know how I am to be convinced at eleven o’clock, and in the middle of the street, that the king has no gold.  I will be punctual, but I have still time to visit a few friends, and seek if possible to win a few louis d’ors at faro.”

CHAPTER XVII.

The silver-ware.

It was a dark, still night.  As the clock struck ten the night might really be said to begin in Berlin.  The streets were not lighted except by accidental rays from the windows and the carriage-lamps, and the glare of torches carried by the servants who accompanied their masters to places of amusement.  By eleven o’clock the streets were deserted.  Pollnitz was therefore sure to meet no one on his way to the castle.  He directed his steps to that door which opened upon the River Spree, as Fredersdorf had advised him.

Silence reigned in the palace.  The sentinel stepped slowly backward and forward in the courtyard, and in the distance was heard the baying of two hounds, entertaining each other with their melancholy music.  The master of ceremonies began to be impatient; he thought that, the impertinent private secretary had been indulging in some practical joke or mystification at his expense; but as he drew near to the Spree, he heard the light stroke of oars in the water.  Pollnitz hastened forward, and his eyes, accustomed to the darkness, discovered a skiff drawn up near the Elector’s Bridge.

“This is the point! here we must wait,” whispered a manly voice.

“I think we will not have to wait long,” said another.  “I see lights in the windows.”

The side of the castle next the Spree was now suddenly lighted; first the upper story, then the lower, and a pale light was now seen in the vestibule.

“Truly, I have not been deceived; something is going on,” said Pollnitz, hastening forward.

As he entered the court, a curious train was seen descending the steps.  In front were two servants with torches; they were followed by twelve heyducks, their shoulders weighed down with dishes, cans, cups, plates, whose silver surface, illumined by the golden glare of the torches, seemed to dance and glimmer along the wall and steps like “will o’ the wisps.”  Two servants with towels brought up the rear, and behind these the pale, sad face of Fredersdorf was seen.

“You are punctual,” said he to Pollnitz; “you wish to convince yourself that the king has no gold?”

“Certainly! though this conviction will deprive me of my last hope, and one does not adopt such a course eagerly.”

“I think you will be fully convinced.  Come, let us follow the heyducks.”