The two Rosicrucians walked toward the door, and turned their faces so that they could not see what was done behind them.
“I have the key,” said the king, after a short interval. “Come, my brothers. I am now ready!”
He walked rapidly to the door, unlocked it, and entered the laboratory, followed by Bischofswerder and Wöllner.
But hardly had the king stepped into the room before he uttered a cry of terror, and staggered back, pale with fright.
“The Invisibles! the Invisibles!” he murmured. “See! See! They knew we were coming, and have made all the preparations!”
“All hail, the Invisible Fathers,” cried Wöllner, with enthusiasm. “They have prepared the altar.”
“The Invisibles are awaiting us; they approve of our purpose,” shouted Bischofswerder, exultingly. “Oh, behold, my king! Oh, see, my brother!”
He drew the king eagerly to the large furnace which occupied one entire side of the laboratory; and it really looked as if invisible hands had been at work in this chamber. A bright fire was burning in the furnace, jets of flame darted forth through the openings, and licked the pans and retorts in which liquids and mixtures of various colors boiled and simmered.
“All is prepared,” said Bischofswerder, who had been examining the retorts closely. “It seems the Invisibles are concocting a secret mixture. But my eyes are blinded, and my brain is still in darkness; these substances and elixirs are unknown to me; I only feel that their fragrance fills me with wondrous delight. Oh, come, your majesty, and inhale this blessed aroma—this atmosphere of invisible worlds!”