“Thuengen will doubtless be in favour of it,” observed the Chief. “I believe so,” replied Holnstein, “as he also voted in favour of joining in the war.” “Yes,” said the Minister, “he is one of the honest Particularists; but there are some who are not honest and who have other objects in view.” “Certainly,” added Holnstein. “Some of the patriots showed that quite clearly. They omitted the words, ‘For King and Country,’ retaining only ‘Mit Gott.’” Putbus then referred to the approaching holidays, and said it would be a good idea to give the people in the hospital a Christmas tree. A collection had been started for that purpose, and 2,500 francs had already been received. “Pless and I put down our names,” he said. “The subscription list was then laid before the Grand Duke of Weimar, and he gave 300 francs; and the Coburger, who was then attacked, gave 200. He would certainly have been glad to get out of it. He should at least have contrived not to give more than Weimar or less than Pless.” “It must certainly have been very disagreeable to him,” said the Minister. Putbus: “But why? He is a rich man!” The Chief: “Very rich!” Putbus: “Why, certainly, he has come in for an enormous forest which is worth over a million.” The Chief: “The Crown Princess secured that for him through all sorts of stratagems, which she also tried on with me. But I have done with him. He shall never get my signature again.” Putbus: “Besides, 200 francs! He ought not to feel it so much. It is not much more than fifty thalers. But it is just like him!” Putbus then said they intended to submit the list of subscriptions to his Majesty, whereupon the Chief remarked: “Then you will also allow me to join.” Putbus afterwards added that Weimar had “not shown himself over-generous in other matters. He established an ambulance for his regiment, where a couple of officers are now being cared for. He demanded payment for their keep from the Commandant, which of course only the doctors are entitled to do.” “But surely they have not given it to him?” said the Chief. Putbus: “Oh, yes; they have though, but not without making some remarks on the subject that led to a great deal of bad language on his part.” It was then mentioned that a French balloon had fallen down near Wetzlar and that Ducrot was said to be in it. “I suppose he will be shot then,” said Putbus. “No,” replied the Chief. “The common jail. Ten years’ penal servitude. If he is brought before a court-martial nothing will happen to him. But a Council of Honour would certainly condemn him. So I have been told by officers.” “Any other news on military matters?” asked Putbus. “Perhaps at the General Staff,” replied the Minister, “but we know nothing here. We only get such information as can be obtained by dint of begging, and that is little enough.”