"I believe in Lincoln's maxim," said he, "that 'it will never do to swap horses while crossing streams.'"
In little more than an hour, he returned and told us that he had been coldly received, although the leadership was shared with Funk by two members who had once been among his most intimate friends. He was now, however, able to tell that their plan was to insist on neutrality. They did not dare to think, much less to speak, of an alliance with France. Their intention, however, was to call together a large meeting of the popular party, in order to exert a moral influence on Parliament, and perhaps to overawe it.
At our meeting, we were expecting the arrival of the prime minister; the right wing of our party sided with the ministry.
The minister did not come; but sent one of his councillors, who informed me that the session would not be opened unless a quorum of delegates was present.
He told us that there was great disorder among the telegraphs.
After the councillor had left, Loedinger, my old associate and prison-mate, told me in confidence, that he expected a coup d'etat. He felt that the Prince had no desire to take counsel with the country, and had determined that his glory as a warrior should be shared by no one.
Loedinger was one of those imaginative persons who, whenever they form suspicions against any one, carry them to their extremest consequences.
The President, who was a member of our party, told us under the seal of secrecy, that the reason for delaying the opening of our session was that they might first ascertain what action the delegates in the next state would decide upon.
We were thus held in anxious suspense.
During the night, I found it impossible to sleep; and Ludwig, who was in the next room, called out to me: "Father, you must sleep; to-morrow will be a trying day. Just think of it!--the Emperor of Germany--I should say, the King of Prussia--must also sleep to-night, and he is three years older than you are."