He communicated a plan by which new forces might be raised,
and be enabled to take the field in a few days. All the old soldiers
were to be recalled into the service; the forest-keepers and their
assistants were to be armed, and from these elements the _landwehr_ was
to be organized, and intrusted with the special task of defending the
fortresses.
The king listened to the ardent and enthusiastic words of the count with
growing interest, and finally Pueckler's joyful confidence and hopeful
courage filled him also with hope and consolation.
"You believe then that we could really obtain, by these new levies,
brave troops for the defence of the fortress?" asked he.
"I am convinced of it," replied Count Pueckler. "Ardent love for their
fatherland and their king is glowing in the hearts of the Silesians, and
they will be ready when called upon to defend the fortresses. Hitherto,
however, nobody has thought of appealing to the able-bodied men. Count
Hoym has retired to the most remote part of Silesia, and is now
wandering about from city to city. The military governor of Silesia,
General Lindener, visited all the fortresses and told their commanders
that every thing was lost--that it only remained for them to protect
themselves against a _coup de main_, so as to obtain good terms on their
surrender."
The king started up, and an angry blush mantled his face for a moment.
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