The defences were at last completed, and in that strong position Frederick awaited whatever might happen. As he was situated he could not undertake an attack, and was forced to act upon the defensive. Unusual precautions were taken in the camp. During the day the men slept by turns, and at night officers and men were awake and ready for action. As a rule the King left his tent every night, betook himself to a battery, and there awaited the morning under the open heavens. One night, as he was sitting upon the ground by the fire, enveloped in his cloak, he seemed to be tired and somewhat sleepy. A soldier of the Wolfersdorf regiment, noticing it, said to him: “I will make Your Majesty a pillow.” “How will you do it?” said the King. The soldier took off his knapsack and fixed it so the King could rest his head upon it. He could not sleep, however, and so he talked with the soldier about his native land, his service, and other things. The latter asked the King several rather bold questions, which he answered very affably. The following conversation occurred between them: Soldier. “If Your Majesty should be taken prisoner, how could you get released, as you are a King?” King. “As a general, not otherwise.” Soldier. “Hm! I don’t believe that. You are more than a general.” King. “No! With the army I am only a general.” Soldier (shaking his head). “They would get rich booty if they took you.” King. “Oh, no, they would not. I have not a groschen in my pockets.” Soldier. “Your Majesty is trying to deceive me.” King. “No! I tell you I have not a kreutzer” (and to convince him, the King emptied his pockets). “There! do you not see I am right?” Soldier. “That is strange, but—you have a beautiful ring, which certainly is worth something.” King. “Well—and what do you think it is worth? Give a guess.” (Saying this, the King held up the ring for his examination.) Soldier. “The ring may well have cost ten thousand thalers.” King. “Fool! I will let you have it for five hundred thalers, and even then make money.” Soldier. “I would not believe that to all eternity. It is not true.” King. “Certainly it is. Look here—I will count up the cost. This little stone here is perhaps worth three hundred and some odd thalers. The large one in the middle is a table diamond, which at the utmost did not cost over thirty thalers, and the rest of the ring, outside of the plain setting, is of no value.” Soldier. “I certainly wouldn’t have believed it.” Day had dawned in the meantime. The King arose and ordered an aide, who had come up to make report, to give the soldier a _Friedrich d’or_, saying at the same time, “Are you convinced now that I have no money?”