“Me!” exclaimed Strotha. “For heaven’s sake, Your Excellency, what made you think of such a thing? I am not in any way fitted for the post.”
“I am afraid that can’t be helped. See; here is the order from His Majesty the king, requiring that you shall be War Minister.”
‘Strotha reads the order, looking greatly troubled, and then says: “Of course, if His Majesty commands, I must obey.”
“Well, then, my dear colleague,” continues Brandenburg, “you will attend the cabinet council at ten to-day.”
“Oh, I could not possibly do that.”
“I am afraid you will have to. See; here is another order from His Majesty, expressly desiring you to undertake the War Department in the cabinet.”
“Then I must of course obey,” said the new War Minister, with a deep sigh of dejection.
‘He is just about to leave, in order to prepare himself for his presumable maiden speech, when Brandenburg stops him: “I suppose you know, general, that you must appear in mufti [plain clothes] at the council?”
‘Strotha stood speechless with amazement. This was the finishing stroke. “I have none!” he at last managed to stammer forth.
“Well, you will have to get yourself some by ten o’clock—such are the king’s commands.”