"From the officers of the general staff," replied Count Wedel, "and from several other officers with whom I have conversed."
"And whom would the army trust as their leader?" asked the king.
"General von Arentschildt!" replied Count Wedel without a moment's hesitation.
"I thank you," replied the king gravely; "beg General von Brandis and Count Platen to come to me."
"At your command, your majesty."
And Count Wedel left the room.
"This is bad, very bad!" said the king sorrowfully, "for an army that has no confidence in its leaders is already half beaten; but it is well I learnt it whilst there is still time."
The crown prince had stepped to the window and was looking at the various groups in the street below.
The two ministers entered, General von Brandis calm and cheerful as ever, Count Platen pale and excited.
"Gentlemen," said the king, "I hear that the adjutant-general, and the general I have chosen to command the army, do not possess the confidence of the troops."