"A clever and energetic officer," said General Brandis, "a man of quick and ready action."
"I have conversed with him," said Count Platen, "he is a remarkably intelligent man. I unfolded to him the policy we have lately pursued, he fully recognized its propriety. I believe----"
"Is the colonel here?" asked the king.
"He was in the house just now," said the crown prince.
The king rang.
"Beg General Gebser and the adjutant-general to come to me," he said, sighing.
The two gentlemen entered the room.
General Gebser was of a tall and graceful figure, his boldly-cut features had a free open expression, and his hair and moustache were slightly grey. General von Tschirschnitz held a paper in his hand.
"My dear General Gebser, and you my adjutant-general," said the king with emotion, "I have something most serious to say to you. I have to demand from you a fresh proof of your patriotism and of your devotion to me and to my family."
General Gebser looked firmly at the king; old General von Tschirschnitz lifted his astonished gaze from the paper he held in his hand to his royal master, as if he marvelled what further proof of devotion could be expected from him.