"Hanover, twenty-five thousand men." "Only a mouthful to swallow on our first march." "Saxony, fifteen thousand." "Another mouthful." "And a hundred and fifty thousand belonging to the Confederation." "The Confederation will have no time to arm them; only we must not lose a moment, sire; therefore I now say 'War, Victory, the supremacy of Prussia--myself--or-'" "Or?" "Or my resignation, which I lay very humbly at Your Majesty's feet." "What is that on your hand, count?" "Nothing, sire." "It looks like blood." "Perhaps it is." "Is it true, then, that some one attempted your life by firing at you with a revolver?" "Five times, sire." "Five? Good gracious!" "He thought it none too many for me." "And you are unwounded?" "Only a scratch on the little finger." "And who was your assassin?" "I do not know who he is." "Did he refuse to give his name?" "No, I forgot to ask him; besides, that is the Attorney-General's affair, not mine. I do not interfere with other people's concerns. Now, my own business is my King's business, and that is here." "I am listening," said the king. "To-morrow the chamber is dissolved; the following day we mobilize; in eight days hostilities are declared, or else--" "Or else what?" "Or else, as I have the honour to repeat to Your Majesty, my resignation." Then, without waiting for the king's answer the Count von Bismarck bowed low, and according to etiquette retired backwards from the king's presence. The king said nothing to detain his minister, but before closing the door, that gentleman heard the bell rung loudly enough to rouse the whole palace. CHAPTER V A SPORTSMAN AND A SPANIEL On the day following the events just narrated, a young man about twenty-five years of age arrived in Brunswick by the eleven o'clock train from Berlin. Leaving his luggage, which was labelled "Hanover," in the station, he took a small knapsack on which were strapped a sketch-book and camp-stool, buckled on a cartridge belt, flung a baldric supporting a double-barrelled gun over his shoulder, and completed his toilet with a large grey felt hat. Altogether he appeared a sort of cross between sportsman and tourist. Accompanied by a beautiful jet-black spaniel he left the station and hailed an open carriage, whereupon the dog instantly justified his name of "Frisk" by springing joyously in, and installing himself on the front seat, while his master reclined on the back after the manner of one accustomed to do things comfortably. Courteously addressing the driver in excellent German: "Coachman," said he, "kindly take me to the best hotel the town affords, or at any rate, to the one which provides the best lunch!"