Page:Stories after Nature.pdf/49

Rh It was the custom of Frederick to walk in his garden secretly at noon. After three days, Christian, in full conviction, gave way to his vengeance; and watching Frederick till he was at the end of the avenue of the garden (where his guard could not hear him, and where he was free from interruption), came up to him and said, "I have long looked for this opportunity—know thou that thy happiness is complete. I am no slave, but a messenger disguised from the soldier Christian, to give thee hopes of deliverance, and afford means for thy flight secretly." Frederick bit his lips, and, folding his garment round him, said, "Slave, you mistake me; I am not of your faction." Christian struck him a violent blow on the mouth with the back of his hand, casting at him a look of loathing and disdain. They both drew their swords, and fought; Frederick smote madly, as if to justify his treachery; but Christian followed him on, blow for blow, with a most potent eye, and a secure confidence that doomed him to death. Having wounded Frederick in the throat, he struck him on the head and knocked him down; and, striding over him, waited to see if he was yet dead. When he was revived a little, Christian said to him, "Thou devil (or worse), be it known to thee, that the great cause