The King then desired that the body of the dog, and all that yet remained
in the bottle should be despatched to the Professor of Chemistry at Bonn,
for immediate examination.
This done, he turned to Monsieur Maurice, and said in German, so that all
present might hear and understand:--
"Monsieur, so far as we have the present means of judging, you have
suffered an illegal and unjust imprisonment, and a base attempt has been
made upon your life. You appear to be the victim of a foul conspiracy, and
it will be our first care to sift that conspiracy to the bottom. In the
meanwhile, we restore your liberty, requiring only your _parole
d'honneur_, as a gentleman, a soldier, and a Frenchman, to present
yourself at Berlin, if summoned, at any time required within the next three
months."
Monsieur Maurice bowed, laid his hand upon his heart, and said:--
"I promise it, your Majesty, on my word of honour as a gentleman, a
soldier, and a Frenchman."
"You are probably in need of present funds," the King then said; "and if
so, our Secretary shall make you out an order on the Treasury for five
hundred thalers."
"Believing myself to be beggared of all I once possessed, I gratefully
accept your Majesty's bounty," replied Monsieur Maurice.
Pages:
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104