"They have not yet armed," said the king.
"After the decree of the Confederation they must arm; and besides, even on a peace foundation, their armies might annoy us extremely," remarked Count Bismarck. "I beg your majesty to proceed instantly with the greatest vigour, and to command a march into Hanover and Hesse without delay."
The king thought deeply.
"They refused to conclude the Treaty of Neutrality in Hanover and in Cassel when we offered it," he said. "Now that the mobilization is decreed, of course it is no longer the question. But they have always preferred half measures, which seems to prove they would never venture seriously and decidedly to declare against us. I will ask them once more the clear and positive question, and give them the opportunity of turning back on the dangerous road they are now taking."
"But, your majesty," exclaimed Count Bismarck, "time will be lost, and time is precious!"
"Put your mind at ease, dear count," returned the king, "no time shall be lost. The time of doubt and restlessness is past. The time for action has come, for us there is no longer deliberation or a choice!" Count Bismarck breathed freely again.
"But, pour l'acquit de ma conscience," said the king, "I will give one last and serious warning to my royal cousins, for God knows it will be hard to me to act against them. The ultimatum guaranteeing their possessions, and offering them an alliance on the foundation of our proposed reform of the Confederacy, is in the hands of the ambassadors?" he asked.
"At your majesty's command," replied the minister.
"Then give a telegraphic order immediately that the ultimatum is to be delivered, and that we will await an answer until this evening."
"The order shall go forthwith," said Count Bismarck, "but what if a refusal, or as is more probable, an evasive answer is returned?" he asked, with an anxious look at the king's face.