old and rainy, the wind howled down the empty
streets, rattling the windows, and slamming the open house-doors.
Surely the weather was but little suited for going out, and yet the
Berlin citizens were to be seen flocking toward the New Market in
crowds, regardless of wind and rain.

The Berliners have, from time immemorial, been an inquisitive race,
and where any thing is to be seen, there they rush. But this day there
was to be a rare spectacle at the New Market.

The editors of the two newspapers were to run the gantlet; and
besides, General von Tottleben had summoned the Town Council and Jews
thither, to receive his last orders and resolutions before he left
Berlin. People were, therefore, very much excited, and curious to
witness this double show, and in their eagerness they forgave the
hostile general, who had prepared such a delightful entertainment for
them, all the terrors of the last few days. Two gentlemen--two learned
men--were to be flogged. That was, indeed, a precious and delightful
sight for cold, hungry, ragged poverty, which always takes delight in
seeing those whom fortune has favored, suffer and smart.

How often had these shoemakers and tailors worried and fretted
themselves over their pot of beer, that the newspaper writers should
have had the hardihood and stupidity to write so violently against the
Russians, without taking into account that the Russians would one day
occupy Berlin, and take revenge on its innocent citizens! It served
these newspaper writers quite right that they should be punished for
their arrogance. And, besides, the good people would see the Russian
general and his staff, and the grand Town Council and the chief
magistrate, who, in his golden chain and his robes of office, was to
hand over to the hostile general a present of ten thousand ducats.
The Berliners were, therefore, quite happy, and delighted to hear the
hollow sound of the drum, and the Russian word of command.

A regiment of Russian soldiers marched past the corner of the Bishop
Street, toward the market-place. They ranged themselves in two long
lines, leaving a lane between them, just wide enough for a man to pass
through. Then came two provost-marshals, and walked slowly down the
lane, delivering to each soldier one of the long slender rods they
carried under their arms.

The Russian soldiers were now armed, and awaited the victims they were
to chastise. These were dragged out of the guard-house. First came