This latter so thoroughly embraced the entire country after the absorption of the lesser states on the collapse of Koniggratz, that each separate individual could be moved at any given moment to a certain defined point; while the instructions for his guidance were so complete and perfect, that they could not fail to be understood.
Fritz had to proceed, in the first instance, to the capital city of his state, Hanover, now no longer a kingdom, but only a small division of the great empire into which it was incorporated.

For him there was no chance of evasion or getting out of the obligation to serve, for the whilom "kingdom" having withstood to the last during the six weeks' war the onward progress to victory of the all-devouring Prussians, her citizens would be at once suspected of disloyalty on the least sign of any defection.

Besides, a keen official eye was kept on the movements of all Hanoverians, their patriotism to the newly formed empire being diligently nourished by a military rule as stern and strict as that of Draco.
"Oh, my boy, my firstborn! and must I lose thee too ?" exclaimed Madame Dort, when Fritz made her acquainted with the news of his summons to headquarters.

"Truly Providence sees fit to afflict me for my sins, to try me with this fresh calamity!" "Pray do not take such a sombre view of my departure, dear mother," said Fritz.

"Why, probably, in a month's time I will be back again in old Lubeck; for, I'm sure, we'll double up the French in a twinkling." "Ah, my child, you do not know what a campaign is, yet! The matter will not be settled so easily as you think.