He is a scoundrel who repeats it!" and, without awaiting an answer, he hastened away to seek the prince and Baron Kalkreuth, acquaint them with the king's presence, and fly with them from his anger.
But Prince Henry, whose fruitless search for his sweetheart had made him angry and defiant, declared he would remain at the ball until it was over, and that it should be optional with the king to insult his brother openly, and to punish and humble a prince of his house before the world.
"I, unfortunately, do not belong to the princes of the royal house, and I therefore fear that the king might regard me as the cat who had to pull the hot chestnuts from the ashes, and I might suffer for all three.
I therefore pray your highness to allow me to withdraw." "You may go, and if you meet Kalkreuth, ask him to accompany you.

You officers must not carry your insubordination any further.

I, as prince, and Hohenzollern, dare the worst, but, be assured, I shall pay for my presumption.

Farewell, and hasten! Do not forget Kalkreuth." Kaphengst sought in vain.

Kalkreuth was nowhere to be found, and he had to wend his way alone to Potsdam.
"I shall take care not to await the order of the king for my arrest," said Baron Kaphengst to himself, as he rode down the road to Potsdam.