CHAPTER IX.
As Arwed emerged from the trenches he was met by adjutant Kolbert. 'It is well that I have found you,' said he eagerly: 'I have been some time seeking you. Come directly with me.'
'Where?' asked Arwed with moody apathy.
'To general Duecker's,' quickly answered Kolbert.
'There are collected all those who in their hearts were truly devoted to our fallen hero. The meeting relates to matters of the highest consequence, which must be discussed in all haste. It is asked, who now shall wear the crown in our good Sweden?'
'Has the army to decide that question?' asked Arwed earnestly.
'Certainly!' said Kolbert, 'and that according to the anciently consecrated right of the sword, as formerly exercised by the prætorians of Rome. Only come with me. There you will not only hear the how, but the wherefore, about which, pedantlike, you always first ask.'
He drew Arwed with him towards general Duecker's quarters. They were already crowded with generals and officers, who were engaged in low and eager conversation. Suddenly they separated, forming a large circle, into the middle of which stepped the worthy old Duecker.
'The king is dead!' said he with an agitated voice. 'In the midst of your affliction for this great loss, I waive until a more suitable time the important question,--How has the hero fallen? Our present duty is, faithfully to guard the vacant throne as becomes faithful vassals and warriors, and to take care that the crown be set upon a worthy head. You know, comrades, that there are two hands which will be stretched out for it, and in the opinion of many it is yet doubtful whether the nephew or the sister of Charles has the best right. I am indeed entirely convinced, that the son of the elder sister should take precedence of the younger. But the heroes of the quill may hereafter fight out these subtleties, if it should become necessary. At present I abide simply by the will of my king, who has so often been our guiding star in battle, as the pole star of heaven guides the mariner through opposing storms. Charles had a father's love for his nephew, and was reverenced with filial tenderness by him in return. He took him with himself to the field, that he might under his own eyes train him to become his worthy successor. For his sister he always had an aversion, and the thought of female government was as hateful to him, as, since the days of the apostate Christina, it must be to every true Swede. Wherefore I believe we fulfill the unwritten testament of the great departed in raising the duke of Holstein to Sweden's throne. He already has so far deserved it, that his connection with this realm has cost him his possessions.
'But whatever be done must be done quickly--for the husband of the other pretender to the crown is in the camp, and already very active in availing himself of his field-marshalship to aid her pretensions. I, in whom he least confides, have already been ordered to depart with my corps, and I dare not venture to disobey, unless protected by a counter order from the king. I therefore propose that a deputation from ourselves repair immediately to the duke, and beg of him to show himself to the troops. We will have the regiments under arms, proclaim him king in front of them, and for the rest depend upon our good swords. Is that your will, my friends?'