"Why should we not try the balls on the basalt rocks? We cannot destroy the castle, and a few shots--"
Wackerbarth was silent, and waited for orders, still not believing that Augustus wanted to show that he was superior to the childish consideration.
"Send two cannons to Stolpen," said he, "and give orders for them to be trained on the rock. To-morrow I will see the trial personally. Yes, to-morrow morning very early, for it is warm already towards noon."
He turned and went off.
Orders of the King were always executed, notwithstanding all difficulties. The cannons were sent to Stolpen during the night. Zaklika was sleeping in his solitary house, when, about midnight, he was awakened by a great noise and shouting of impertinent soldiers. He thought that Saxony was being invaded by the Prussians, but soon he recognized the Saxons by the exclamation, "Herr Jesus!" repeated continually. Then he went out and asked the officer what had happened--why such haste.
"The King," shouted the officer, "will be here this morning."
"The King! In Stolpen?"
"Yes, yes; he will try cannons against the basalt rocks."
"Where?" cried Zaklika, amazed.
"Here, at the rocks on which the castle stands," said the officer.