“That is very simple, too. A few hours before the battle, a greater part of our regiment was lying in reserve in a small grove. The troops were ready for battle; the officers were walking from one company to another, or stood in groups talking. You must not think that the light military heart is particularly grave before battle. Jokes are perpetrated even in the hottest fight,—the more so while the soldiers are impatiently waiting for a signal to march or to fire. I well remember that I was not in good-humor that day, and to escape ennui I took out your letter and read it a second time. By chance First Lieutenant Jiruš came unnoticed behind me, and thinking that I was reading a love-letter, he snatched it in jest from my hands, intending to read it aloud to my colleagues; but at the same moment we were ordered to march out. Jiruš put the letter into his pocket, and hastened to his company; while I drew my sabre, and stepped into line. A moment later a fierce shooting followed, and we thought of nothing but the enemy. You know the end of the fight; I was captured, and have just returned from Königsberg, where I have been vexed with ennui.”
“But why, at least, did you not write me a card?” I asked, when my friend finished.
“A mere whim,” he answered quietly. “And, besides, I followed your example, and wearied myself with mathematical and astronomical studies.”
“But what brings you here so late? When did you come?” I asked urgently, being almost fully convinced that my friend was alive and well.
“I arrived this evening; but even yesterday our friends knew that I was coming, so they failed to go to the tavern where you invited them. You are the only one whom I did not inform, in order to surprise you the more. I come now to invite you to a banquet which my father gives in the castle of Prince Kinský, in celebration of my safe return. At the same time I must tell you that I shall give there the great performance in escamotage, which, as you know, I have been preparing for years. My automatons and other apparatus are all in the best order, and I hope to interest all the guests.”
