The first flash of lightning.

During this night Pollnitz slept but little; when, however, he rose from his couch the next morning, his brow was clear and his countenance gayer than it had been for a long time; he had made his plans, and was convinced that he would succeed.

“I will earn a hundred ducats,” said he, smiling to himself, as in a superb toilet he left his dwelling, “yes, a hundred ducats, and I will revenge myself upon the king for that trumpeting and outcry.  This shall be a blessed and beautiful morning.”

He walked first to the apartment of Colonel Jaschinsky, and announced himself as coming upon most important business.  The colonel hastened to meet him, ready to be of service, and full of curiosity.

“Lead me to a room where we are absolutely certain not to be observed or listened to,” said Pollnitz.

They entered the colonel’s cabinet.

“Here, baron, we are secure.”

“Without circumlocution, then, count, you know the law which forbids officers to make debts?”

“I know it,” said Jaschinsky, turning pale, “and I believe that Baron Pollnitz is well content not to belong to the officers.”

“Perhaps you, sir count, may also cease to belong to them?”

“What do you mean by that?” said Jaschinsky, anxiously.

“I mean simply that Colonel Jaschinsky belongs to those officers who are forbidden to make debts, but that he disregards the law.”

“You came here, as it appears, to threaten me?”

“No, principally to warn you; you know that the king is particularly severe against his body-guard.  You are the colonel of this splendid regiment, and should, without doubt, set the other officers a good example.  I doubt if the king would consider that you did your duty, if he knew that you not only made debts, but borrowed money from the officers of your own regiment.”

“Take care, Baron von Pollnitz!” said Jaschinsky, threateningly.

Pollnitz said, smilingly:  “It appears that you are menacing me, that is wholly unnecessary.  Listen quietly to what I have to say.  I have come to arrange a little matter of business with you.  Day before yesterday you borrowed two hundred ducats from Baron Trenck.  Give me one hundred of them, and I give you my word of honor not to expose you—­deny me, and I give you my word of honor I will go instantly to the king, and relate the whole history.  You know, count, you would be instantly cashiered.”

“I do not know that his majesty would grant a ready belief to the statement of Baron Pollnitz, and you have no proof to confirm it.”

“I have proof.  You gave your note for the money.  I think that would be convincing testimony.”

The count was pale and agitated.  “If I give you a hundred ducats, you promise on your word of honor not to expose me to the king?”

“I give you my word of honor; more than that, I promise you to defend you, if any one shall accuse you to the king.”