"I thank you for your bread," he said; "my friend, you must ask some favor of me. Think what you would wish." "Oh! I need not think," the soldier cried joyfully. "If I may wish for something, it shall be the position of magistrate in my native land in Prussia." "When peace is declared, your wish shall be gratified," said the king to the delighted soldier, and then bowing graciously, Frederick reentered the tent. "Now my friend, my Pylades, we will allow ourselves an hour of rest, of recreation; I think we have earned it. Come and read aloud to me." "What shall I read to your majesty?" asked Rothenberg, evidently embarrassed. "You may read from Horace." "Your majesty does not know--" said Rothenberg, hesitatingly. "What do I not know?" "That the pandours have carried off your camp library." "What! my books too?" demanded the king, and a cloud darkened his brow. "What can the pandours and Croats do with my poor books? Could they not content themselves with my treasure and my silver-ware? Must they take what is so worthless to them, and so precious to me?" Then, with bent brows, his hands crossed behind him, he paced back and forth in the narrow tent. Suddenly arresting his steps, he glanced around the tent, as if in search of something. "Biche is not here," he said quietly; "bring Biche to me, my friend." But General Rothenberg did not move. "Well!" exclaimed the king. "Sire, they have taken Biche with them also." "Biche also, my faithful friend, my pet!" cried the king, with much emotion, as he again began his walk. At length, approaching the general, he placed both hands upon his shoulder and looked tenderly into his eyes. "I have my friend," he said gently, "why should I be troubled about my books or my dog? I will send to Berlin and have the books replaced, and I will ransom Biche. They cannot refuse to restore the faithful animal to me." There was an expression of such anxiety on the king's features, that Rothenberg was much moved. "I do not doubt, sire," he said, "that your favorite will be returned to you. Your majesty may well trust to that Providence which has vouchsafed you so glorious a victory."