Page:Stories after Nature.pdf/48

Christian credited this for truth; but thought secretly, that Frederick had done it through craft, and to win time, that he might by some means escape and again join him. There appearing, however, great mystery, he was perplexed how to proceed; but at length determined to alter his plan, and delay the time of attack till he had been himself into the city, and found the truth of the matter. Disguising himself, therefore, in the habit of a slave, and providing for his absence as well as he could, he left the camp under the best direction in his power, and made for the city. There he offered himself to serve in the king's army, took their cloak and habit, and by this means gained admission. This was no sooner done, than he gathered the truth respecting Frederick; still thinking that he waited only for some chance to join him. When he arrived at his palace his joy was great. Here again taking the habit of a slave, he engaged himself as a servant. But his confidence was a little shaken when he saw with what heartless happiness he lived, and that he behaved to the king with smiling indifference, and not with a smothered hate. He brooded over the apparent truth continually, thinking on the death of Gustavus, and sweating with great wrath.