Then he drew forward Carl, Otto and Franz.
"Our sons, also," he said, and looked at his wife.
"Ja, ja, Richard," she said, the tears falling. "I, too, am willing now."
Marianne held out her hand to Bettina and drew her to the table.
"We go as nurses, father. You have promised."
It was the "People's War," the great German rising against Napoleon. All over the land, men, women, and children were giving their all. Russia and Austria joined with them and the great battle was fought at Leipsic in Saxony. The Crown Prince fought with his father, and when the victors marched into the city Carl, Franz and Otto were with them.
The battle itself lasted three days. On the last of these the Emperor Francis, the Czar, and Frederick William were standing on a hill watching the battle.
Up dashed an officer. Springing from his horse, he approached the three rulers.
"We have conquered!" he cried. "The enemy flies!"
The three monarchs alighted with solemn joy from their horses, knelt on the field and thanked God for the victory.