Wenzinger sprang up from his place.
"I too must see them," he said, and ordered his horse brought forward at once. "Evidently the enemy has come out to draw us nearer."
The rest did not allow themselves to be disturbed but went on with their pleasures. After a few minutes Wenzinger came hurrying back; on his features could be read that secret joy which a soldier always feels when his plan nears success.
"Victory," he cried, as he entered, "the enemy is moving off, bag and baggage; provided only he is not doing it for appearances, and is not avoiding a battle, all's won."
At this news some of the men rose and began to buckle on their swords, but the Prince did not leave his place.
"Are they still far away?" he asked the general, calmly.
"Half an hour distant," answered the other with glowing countenance.
"Then let them come nearer, and meantime sit down beside me."
"The Devil I will!" said the general, angrily, "I have hardly time to assign the army their positions."
"What is the use of assigning them positions? Let them march in a solid column so that the enemy will be frightened to death at the mere sight of them."