From the first half of the month of May the greater number of those about him were prepared for an impending catastrophe. His creditors became more and more importunate, his need for money more and more pressing. As no prospects of assistance from any direction could be seen, Ludwig determined to reassume negotiations with Rothschild. He was now promised a loan of thirty or forty million francs, at four per cent. interest, to be paid within a certain period of time. In the event of Bavaria remaining neutral during a possible war between France and Prussia, repayment of the sum would be remitted, together with all further interest. In this manner the agreement was deprived of the sting which might wound the allies in Germany; and no more was demanded of the King of Bavaria than what, if necessary, he could subscribe to. Hesselschwerdt, who had been the former intermediary between Rothschild's secretary and his master, received orders from Ludwig to proceed to Paris with a royal note of hand, and to receive the money-prince's millions. At this juncture Count Holnstein suddenly stepped forth. As chief of the royal stables he was Hesselschwerdt's superior. He was aware that Rothschild's secretary had been in Munich, and knew of the interviews the latter had had with members of the House of Orleans. In expectation of what might arise, he had impressed upon Hesselschwerdt that he must not undertake any task without his, the Count's, knowledge, since King Ludwig, in the painful position in which he found himself, might possibly allow himself to be led into taking a step which might have serious consequences to the state. When the negotiations were resumed in the month of May, Holnstein had begun a course of baths at Karlsbad. Before his departure he had strictly charged Hesselschwerdt immediately to inform him if his journey to Paris could not be averted. The Count had added threateningly: "Obey me, Hesselschwerdt, or you may pay dearly for it!" Holnstein had hardly been a week at Karlsbad before he received the expected telegram. He hastened to Munich, and summoned Hesselschwerdt to him. The court functionary brought with him the sealed writing which contained Ludwig's note of hand. Without a moment's hesitation the Count carried him off to the Premier, Dr von Lutz, and delivered into the latter's hands the letter to Rothschild, which was sealed with the King's signet. This done he sought an audience of Prince Luitpold, who, on the outbreak of Prince Otto's malady, had become the person who stood nearest to the throne. While he was conversing with the King's uncle, it was announced that the Ministry desired an audience. A council was held. Ludwig's letter was opened, and Hesselschwerdt was forbidden to undertake the journey to Paris. Four eminent physicians were summoned. They declared the King to be insane, and assumed his malady to be incurable. There was now a plausible excuse for placing him under restraint.