Part 36 (2/2)
”Besides the King, n.o.body here has such broad shoulders as you have,”
whispered Frohlich. ”What are you doing here? I heard that you were with Cosel.”
”I left her,” answered Zaklika, ”There was nothing to do after her downfall.”
”You are right,” said the fool; ”one must always take care of one's neck. Then you returned to the King's service--or perhaps you are with Denhoff?”
”Not yet,” answered Zaklika. ”But tell me, what do you think of her?”
”She is like those little black animals that jump and bite, but which it is difficult to catch,” said the fool, laughing.
They were still talking when a pa.s.sing Spaniard, with a mask on his face, stopped, and began to look attentively at them. Zaklika wanted to go, when the masked man approached him, raised his hat, and seized him by the hand.
Frohlich disappeared immediately.
The unknown asked Zaklika imperatively,--
”What are you doing here?”
”I am looking for a position,” answered he.
”Do you no longer like the service in which you were formerly?”
”They do not need my services there now.”
”What kind of position are you seeking?”
”I am a n.o.bleman,” answered Zaklika.
The Spaniard muttered something, then he said,--
”Where is Cosel?”
”Probably in Pillnitz--I am not sure.”
”Come with me.”
”Where?”
”Don't ask; you are not afraid, I hope.”
Zaklika went, and he soon noticed that the stranger led him to Flemming, who was at home, drinking with some friends. Masked men went to and fro; those who preferred the wine remained. Flemming expected the King. There was a great noise in the house.
The Spaniard entered, and whispered something to Flemming, who then came to Zaklika, and conducted him to a separate room. The Spaniard followed them.
”When did you leave Cosel?” asked he.
”A few days ago.”
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