He folded his hands and raised his head silently to heaven. All those around him involuntarily followed his example.
The sound of horse's hoofs was heard. An officer of the garde du corps, springing from the saddle, informed the king, from the general in command, that the enemy were drawing up in strong columns upon the road from Gotha, and that the general begged his majesty to leave Thamsbrück immediately, and to go to the hills behind Merxleben.
Count Wedel hurried away; the horses were saddled and the carriages prepared.
"General von Arentschildt further begs your majesty's commands and instructions as to the capitulation which may be needful during the action," said the aide-de-camp.
General Brandis bit his moustache. Count Ingelheim stamped upon the ground.
"What does he mean?" asked the king quietly.
"The general staff," continued the officer, "has represented to the general that the troops are so worn out and badly fed that they may be unable to endure the fatigue of battle; he therefore begs permission to capitulate should he deem it needful. He has drawn up an instruction on this point, and he begs your majesty to send it back to him signed." He handed the king a paper.
The king had closed his teeth firmly, and he drew his breath with a sharp, almost hissing sound.
Without the slightest movement of haste or anger he took the paper and tore it through.
"Ride back to General Arentschildt," he said in a calm ringing voice, "and tell him my commands, to resist to the last man!"