His Lithuanians, who had been accustomed on their triumphal marches to being received everywhere with open arms, took the present ovation as a matter of course, and responded to the hurrahs with lusty lungs.
But to Boleslav it was plain that there was some misunderstanding, which in the next few minutes would be explained.
As he entered the market-place, which, like the streets, was filled with an enthusiastic crowd, the Landrath, at the head of an impressive procession, consisting of the Burgomaster, Corporation, and other magnates of the town, advanced to meet him. He laid his delicate, bony hand on his breast, and cleared his throat with a rasp, preparatory to speaking.
When he recognised Boleslav, who had quickly sprung from his horse, he drew back in embarrassment. Nevertheless he began--
"I congratulate you, Freiherr von Schranden, on your being the first who has hastened here with your troops----"
"Not so fast, _Herr Landrath_," Boleslav interrupted. "There is an error somewhere. These people are workmen, whom I have recruited in Lithuania for domestic use. I am on my way with them to Schranden."
An amused smirk passed through the ranks of the town magnates. They enjoyed seeing the Landrath make a fool of himself, even if they themselves were made to look foolish in the process.
"And you really haven't heard yet?" he stammered out, concealing his annoyance.
"I have come straight from the remotest corner of Prussia, _Herr Landrath_."
"You haven't heard that Napoleon has escaped from Elba, and that the King has again appealed to his gallant Prussian subjects to arm?"
Boleslav felt a rush of mingled horror and joy flood his heart.
So once more the world's history had absorbed the solution of his career in its own, and he would be saved further self-doubt and suspense with regard to it. His vast schemes, the work to which he was to consecrate his life, lay shattered at his feet scarcely begun, and now ended perhaps for ever. But away with all regrets and fears. Did not the Fatherland, _his_ Fatherland, call him?
"Thank you, _Herr Landrath_," he said, while he endeavoured to still his wildly beating heart. "I feel honoured at your thinking so well of me and my contingent of Schrandeners. We will prove ourselves worthy of your high opinion, and in four-and-twenty hours be in readiness."