, in French, whether the magistrates and deputation of merchants
were present.

The chief magistrate felt unable to answer; his knees tottered and his
teeth chattered convulsively. He could only wag his head in silence
and point with trembling hand to his companions.

"Is the merchant, John Gotzkowsky, one of your deputation?" asked the
general.

Gotzkowsky stepped out of the crowd and approached the general with a
proud step. "I am he, sir."

"I am glad to meet you," said the general, with a gracious smile. "I
bring you greetings from General Sievers. He commissioned and ordered
me to show you all possible favor. If I can be of service to you in
any possible way, pray command me. I am General von Bachmann, and
during our presence here have been appointed to the command of
Berlin."

"Are you a friend of the noble Sievers?" cried Gotzkowsky, his
countenance beaming with pleasure. "Oh, then, I need fear nothing
for this unfortunate town, for only a noble, high-minded man can be a
friend of Sievers. You will have pity on our distress!"

"Tell me wherein I can serve you, and how I can oblige you; my word
has much influence on our general-in-chief, Count Tottleben."

Gotzkowsky was silent.

"Beg him to make the contribution as small as possible," whispered
Kircheisen in Gotzkowsky's ear.

But Gotzkowsky took no notice of him. He fixed his dark eyes on the
general, as if he wished to read his soul.

"Speak out," said the general. "If it is possible, your wish shall be
granted."

"Well then, general," cried Gotzkowsky, "this is my request: Spare the
poor and needy of this town. Order your soldiers to be humane, and do
not forget mercy. Let your warriors neither murder nor plunder; let
them not deride the defenceless and conquered. Give to the world the
example of a generous and noble conqueror."

The general looked into Gotzkowsky's noble countenance with increasing
astonishment, and his features assumed a more benevolent expression.
"I give you my word that your petition shall be granted," said he; "I
will give my soldiers strict orders, and woe be to him who does not
obey them! But you have spoken for others, and I would like to oblige
you personally. Have you no request to make for yourself?"

"Oh, yes, indeed!" cried Gotzkowsky, "I beg you to allow me to hasten
to the Council-hall to report to the elders of the citizens your kind
promise."

General Bachmann nodded affably to him. "Hasten then, and return