Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1861-08-28


astonlshed at what had taken place; and as
he gazed on the slip of paper could not help
wondering whether any good would come
oil IT. These were the only words written
on it:
/" DEAR MARSHAL If you can forward the views
OF the bearer, Heinrich Meyer, you viii oblge your
| friend. r
him 'l' AH'" tue result OF your interview win
lime will prove this, as it does all other
tnIngs, thought Heinrich, as he proceeded
on ms way. Some how or other the road
appeared less weariSome, and he felt less
tired and foot-sore since receiving the mys-
terious bit of paper. Hope was stronger
within him than she had been for MANY
| day and on her wings he was carried
! pleasantly along, SO that he reached Berlin
/ by nightfal.
The noise and hustle of the capital was
new to him and he found some little diff
Guilty in making his way to the gasthaus. to
which he had been recommended by the pas
tor OF his parish. The pastor having been
once IN Berlin, was considered, in his part
OF the world, an oraclei in matters connected
with town life.
Inc INN was, however, found at last; and
after frugal supper and goo6 nights rest,
our friend arose, ready to hope and believe
everything from the mysterious note which
ne started forth to deliver immediately after
breakfast.
Obliged to ask his way to Marshal Grumb-
No" ne was amused and surprised at the
"stonishment depicted on the countenances
VI those persons OF whom he made the in
curry, as IT they would say, "What business
can you have with Marshal Grumbkow pn
The house was, however, at last gained
and having delivered his missive to a servant
Heinrich awaited the result in the hall. In
lew minutes the servant returned and
requested him in the most respectful manner
10 follow him to the MarShals presence
Arrived there, he was received most courte-
ously and the Marshal made many INQUIRIES
as 10 his past life and future prospects
requested to be told the name of the vii
iage or town IN which he had been last resid
ing the school in which he had been ed
ucateu at what inn he was living in Berlin,
ana SO forth, But still, no allusion was
IN Inaue elther to the note or the writer of it.
Inc interview lasted about twenty minutes
at the end of which time the marshal dismis,
ted him, desiring that he would call aoain
that day fortnight.
Heinrich employed the interval in visiting
the lions of the town. There was a grand
review oil the troops on the kings birthday
ana, like royal subject, our friend went to
nave reverend stare at his majesty. whom
he had never seen. At one point of the re-
view the king stopped almost opposite to
Heinrich and then was suggested to him. as
the reader probably suspects, that after all
he must have seen that face somewhere be-
fore. Was it the friend who hailed him in
one inuaoy roaur ImpossIuiet HOW snoufu
a king be travelling at that time of the day
A rat
not treated the gentleman in the coach in a
very ceremonious manner. He had thrust
tinder at his nose, and cried to him "puff
away !"
AT last the time appointed for his second
visit to the marshal arrived. His reception
was again most favorable. The marshal beg
ged him to be seated at the table at which he
was sitting, and proceeded at the same time
to business. Unlocking drawer, and bring
ing forth small bundle of papers, he asked
Heinrich, as he drew them forth, one by one,
IL he knew in whose handw riting the yari-
Gus superscriptions were?
Heinrich answered, that to the best of his
belief, one was that of Her Mude his for
mer school-master; another that of Doctor
Won Hummer, the principal of such col
lege, and so on.
Quite right" answered the marshal.
and perhaps 1T may notsurprise you to hear
that have written to these different gentle
men to inquire your character, that | NAV
know with whom | have to DEAL and not
be working in the dark" As he said these
words, the marshal fixed his eyes on Helm
rich to see what effect they had; but the
young mans countenance was unbashed-
ne evidently feared no evil report q feel
bound, continued the marshal, "to tell YOU
that all they say of you is most favorable,
and | am equally bound to believe and act
upon their opinions. have now to beg of
you to follow me to friends house."
The marshal descended a private staircase
leading to the courtyard, crossing which,
he passed through gate in the wall into a
narrow side street, down which he conducted
heinrich, till they are arrived at private
entrance to the palace. Heinrich, began to
get exceedingly nervous the conviction that
ms idea was not mere trick of imagination
became stronger and stronger Could he
nave had his own wish, Heinrich Meyer
would at that moment have been forty miles
from Berlin. At last as he found himself
Following Grumbkow even into the palace, he
could not refrain from exclaimine. "Indeed
Herr Marshal, there must be some mistake"
NO answer was vouchsafed, as the Mar
shal continued to lead him through the various
galleries and apartments until at least they
reached the door of one situated in a corner
OF wing of the palace, where the Marshals
Knock was answered by short "Come in"
AS the door opened one glance sutFiced to
convince Heinrich that his friend in the mud
ana MS King, were one and the same person.
Inc poor cousin-seeker, greatly confused
knelt before Frederick William. and bepan
falterlng out contrite apologies.
Rise young man." said the King. "von
have not committed treason How on earth
could you guess who l was? | should not
travel quietly if meant to be everywhere
recognized"
Alter re.assuring Heinrich, the King told
him that he was preparing to do what he
could to push him forward in the profession
he had chosen. but first" he said Il
must hear how you preach On Sunday
next, therefore, you shall preach before me I;
but mind, shall choose the text. You may
retire"
SBy the time Heinrich Meyer reached his
own room in the inn, he had fixed iE his
mind the fact that he was to preach to the
king. The fact was only too clear, and all
he could do was to set about his sermon
as soon as he should have been furnished
with the text For the remainder of that
day he never stirred out; every step on the
stairs was TO his ear that of the bearer of the
text.
What was to be doneP There was only
two days before Sunday He must go and
consult the marshal, but the latter could
give him no further information all he could
do was to promise that if the king sent the
text through him, it should be forwarded