"May I read it, your majesty?" said Boden.
The king nodded, Boden took the paper and glanced hastily over it, while the king folded his arms behind him and walked backwards and forwards.
"I find the king wondrously wearisome and patient," murmured Fredersdorf; "it is not his manner generally to withhold so long his crushing glances."
"And with what derisive laughter that man there reads my plan!" said Pollnitz, gnashing his teeth; "truly one might think he was making sport of it."
"Have you read it?" said the king, standing still before Boden, and looking at him sharply.
"Yes, your majesty, I have read it."
"Well, and what think you of it?"
"That only Pollnitz, who it is well known has no gold, and is only acquainted with debt, could have drawn out such a plan, for the realization of which, not only Prussian gold, but a fountain of gold from the Arabian Nights would be necessary."
"I swear I will break this fellow's neck!" said Pollnitz.
A faint smile might be seen on the lips of Frederick. "You do not approve of this plan?" said he.