which guarded the Kreuz Gate. The Freibergers, on
their part, were by no means backward in doing their utmost to harass
the Swedes. Behind each defensive work as it was shot down, a new one
arose. Trenches, palisadoes, covered ways, counter-mines, and
batteries were all used as means of defence; the houses adjoining
threatened spots were turned into strongholds, and pierced for
sharp-shooters, who shot every Swede that showed himself within range.
The commandant was at all points where fighting was going on, ordering
and encouraging his men both by word and example.

On the second morning after the night of Conrad's return, Schweinitz
approached the Defensioner Hillner where he stood at a loop-hole in the
tower at the Kreuz Gate. Hillner respectfully made way for his
superior officer, who wished to look out.

'Just see that impudent rascal!' cried the commandant, after a few
moments' survey. 'He is riding his horse right up to the city moat in
sheer bravado. Quick, Defensioner, and show the fellow that there are
men in here. Put a bullet through his head.'

Alert and willing, Hillner at once placed the muzzle of his piece in
the loop-hole. Just as he had covered the Swede, however, he lowered
his weapon and turned pale.

'What's the matter?' cried Schweinitz. 'Why do you tremble? Are you
hurt? Here, then, give me your weapon. I will chastise the insolent
scoundrel myself.' As he spoke, Schweinitz grasped at the arquebuse,
on which Hillner's hand closed like a vice.

'So please your excellency and my gracious commandant,' said the
Defensioner in a tone of entreaty, 'do whatever you please with my
life, but I cannot shoot the man out yonder; neither can I give you my
weapon for you to do it.'

'What!' shouted Schweinitz. 'I, your general, command it. That
weapon, instantly, or--you know the penalty that attaches to
insubordination. Loose it, I tell you!'

'I know well,' replied the young man, 'what penalty belongs to
insubordination; but ought I not to obey God rather than man?'

'No, a thousand times!' cried Schweinitz, his face aflame with rage.
'In war, God's command counts for nothing, and the general's for
everything. What will happen next, if a soldier is to stand and argue
instead of obeying the orders of his superior officer? The soldier is
a mere machine at the absolute will and disposal of his officer, and
must do whatever that officer commands--must kill father, son, or
brother when