"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." He took the arm of the baron, and they soon reached the border of the Spree. The large skiff, which had been lying so dark and still, was now lighted by the torches of the servants, who ranged themselves on each side; it was brilliantly lighted, and great activity prevailed. The twelve heyducks, bending under their heavy burden, entered the skiff, and piled up the silver-ware, then sprang again ashore. "We are going to the treasure-room, will you follow us?" said Fredersdorf. "Certainly; if not, you may perhaps expect to leave me here as sentinel." "That is not at all necessary; there are some soldiers with loaded muskets in the skiff. Come." Silently and hastily they all mounted the steps and reached at last the large room where the royal silver had been kept; the door was open, but guarded by sentinels, and Melchoir, who had had the silver in charge, now walked before the door with a disturbed and sad visage. "May I enter, Melchoir?" said Pollnitz to his old acquaintance, greeting him with a friendly smile. "There is no necessity to ask," said Melchoir, sadly. "My kingdom is at an end, as you see, when the silver is gone; there is no necessity for a steward, and the old Melchoir will be set aside, with all those who yet remain of the good old times of the ever- blessed Frederick William!" Pollnitz entered the room with Fredersdorf, and his eye wandered over the rich treasures spread out before him, and which the heyducks were now packing in large sacks.