"But--what is your destination?" "Come nearer, that I may whisper in your ear." Pollnitz bowed his head. "We are going to the mint," whispered Fredersdorf. "All this beautiful silver will be melted. The king will give no more dinners, he will give battle. The king changes his dishes and plates into good thalers to feed his brave army. And now, are you not convinced that the king has no money to pay your debts?" "I am convinced." "Then farewell. Take the rudder, boys, and go forward; enter the arm of the Spree which flows by the mint, and there anchor. The mint is our goal." "The mint is the goal," murmured Pollnitz, with a grim look, gazing after the skiff, which moved slowly over the water, and which, lighted by the torches, shone brilliantly in the midst of the surrounding darkness. The golden light, playing upon the rich liveries of the heyducks and the tower of silver in their midst, formed a scene of wonder and enchantment. Pollnitz watched them until the torches seemed like little stars in the distance. "There go all the pomp and glory of the world, the joys of peace and luxurious rest. The silver will be melted, iron and steel will take its place. Yes, the iron age begins. Alas! it begins also for me--why cannot I go into the mint and be melted down with these plates and dishes?" CHAPTER XVIII. 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?"