'My dear sir,' he said, 'let us speak frankly: have I done you any wrong that you should prick me, or is it only a habit of yours to bite everybody?'
'Both,' answered Watzdorf, 'but I did not expect that such a giant as your Excellency would feel the pricking of such a small fly as I am.'
'I feel no pain,' said Brühl, 'but it tickles me. Would is not be better to make a friend of me?'
Watzdorf laughed.
'Ministers have no friends,' he said, 'it is written in the most elementary catechism of politicians.'
Here Watzdorf saluted and turned into a side street.
It was something like a declaration of war. Brühl was struck dumb with astonishment.
'He declares war? He must be crazy! Why such a dislike towards me? I must find out!'
He went swiftly homeward. As soon as he entered his house, he went to Henniche's office. Henniche was a little surprised at seeing him.
'Give orders that Chamberlain Watzdorf is to be watched,' said Brühl. 'But as Watzdorf is very cunning you must choose a man more cunning than he. Bribe Watzdorf's servants and search his papers.'