Washington Journal., 1943-03-05

NGAeNN 49, 'ND
his bed chamber, the windows OF which had
been barred by DR.. v. Gudden's orders. Ihe
two physicians spent the night III an adJoln-
ing alcove and a warder was posted outside
the door of the royal bed chamber.
On Whitsunday morning the King had
breakfast brought to his bedside, after which
he dressed with the help Of a warder, serving
him in lieu of his regular valet.
After breakfast the King wanted to be
driven to Starnberg to attend Whitsunday
mass in the church there, but he was dis
suaded from this by DR.. Won Gudden, who
suggested instead that they pray together in
the castles chapel. This was done, though
the King demurred to the absence OF a priest
or chaplain.
Coming from the chapel the King in a
solemn voice asked the two doctors: "DO
you believe in the Immortality of the soul,
in a life hereafter, and in retribution OF our
sins?' Their perfunctory assent did not
seem to satisfy him, for he shook his head
impatiently.
Strolling aimlessly through the halls he
halted before Kaulbach's large portrait OF
him in coronation robes and gazed at it a
long time in silence. Then he looked visit
fully into the room where he had first re-
ceived Richard Wagner. By his orders
everything in it had been left as it was then.
Next he said he would retire to his private
chamber, where he desired to be left I'M
disturbed. AS a precaution a warder was
posted on the threshold with instructions to
listen at the door and to call for assistance
should the King grow violent.
A functionary Of the castle, whom the
others addressed as Herr Zanders, here took
up the tale. He was walking across the court
yard, when he heard a tapping at the window
pane of the Kings private chamber. Look
ing up he saw the King reckoning to him and
afterward putting his %forefinger to his lips In
sign Of secrecy.
Presently Zanders was summoned into the
castle by DIR. Won Gudden. who told him that
His Majesty had voiced a wish to chat with
him of old times. The doctor cautioned Fan
ders to avoid any talk about the Kings pre-
sent predicament beyond showing his sym
pathy for His Majesty's health.
When Zanders was admitted to the royal
presence, alone, King Ludwig sobbed and
threw his arms around his neck, calling him
"a faithful SOUL
''How many strangers are there in my
c~astle?'' asked the King in a whisper.
ssOnly fve'', said Zanders, "~unless you call
the doctors strangers"
'sThey all are my foes. Why lon all my
other men here under this roof drive those
intruders out?"
Zanders confessed himself distressed be-
yond words, at a loss what to do.
eff l should manage to get out of here,
whispered the King, twill you and those
faithful to me, help me? | understand EN-
press Elizabeth is at Possenhofen. IF only /
could get across the lake to her, she and her
father might help me flee across the border
into Austria. If I should try to row from
here in a boat, won't those guards shoot me?"
Horrifed thereat, Her Zanders said, he ex-
claimed: "Oh, your Majesty! How can you
think Of so monstrous a thing?'
just then DR.. Won Gudden opened the door
and summoned Zanders out. He was told
Mis- Majesty needed repose and should be left
alone to take a nap.
AT twilight the King voiced a wish to take
a stroll in the castle park, needless of a likeli-
hood Of rain. An umbrella, he said, might
be taken along. Again DIR. Won Gudden ac-
companied him, but DR.. Miller followed softly
at a distance, keeping out of the King sight.
Presently he returned to the castle, saying
he had lost track Of the two in the darkness.
He believed they had sought shelter from the
rain in some gardeners cottage or in the
boat house.
When nearly an hour had passed without
tie two returning, DR.. Miller summoned
lantern bearers and went to search for the
missing gentlemen. The grounds and park,
as well as the garden houses and boat house
were searched in vain. No boat was missing,
but near the boat house under a garden bench
lay two umbrellas. The grass there was
trampled and twofold footsteps led across
the strand into the lake. From the further
end Of the boat landing one Of the searchers
thought he espied a dark object in the water
and a hat floating near it.
DR.. Miller had himself rowed out to the
floating body and there was Mortified to recog-
nize it as that Of the King, floating face down
wards in water beyond his depth.
Nearby among the reeds the body of DR..