ss town.

"In an unlucky moment," said he, "the Russians might gain a victory
over our king. He would then return and rend us like a tiger. I
would then no longer have the power of protecting you, for General
Tottleben's anger would be turned principally against me, who
guaranteed the payment of the contribution. God himself does not
protect him who breaks his word. He is an outlaw."

A deep silence followed Gotzkowsky's speech. All the faces were again
overcast, and in the contracted brow and anxious countenances could be
read the fact that his words had painfully convinced them that it was
necessary to pay.

Even Herr von Kircheisen in his fear of the return of the Russians,
forgot the enormous amount of the sums to be paid, and said, with a
melancholy sigh: "Gotzkowsky is, I am afraid, right. It is very hard
to pay the money, but it is very dangerous not to do it."

"It might cost us our heads," confirmed the first councilman.

Ephraim stood with his head cast down, and muttered to himself, "Money
is very dear, but life is still dearer."

Itzig cried out in despair: "Let us keep our money. Without money the
Jew is nobody."

But the chief burgomaster, who had consulted the councilmen, now
approached Gotzkowsky, and, with a smile, offered him his hand. "We
thank you," said he, "for you have spoken wisely, and your advice
shall be followed. We will pay, for we cannot help ourselves. But we
must beg you to do us another important service. Go to the king and
beg him not to be angry with us if we do not obey his order."

"Yes, do so, do so, Gotzkowsky!" cried all the others. "Go to the
king, he is friendly toward you--beg for us."

Gotzkowsky's countenance beamed with generous satisfaction. "Very
well," said he; "I will go to the king and beg him to allow the town
of Berlin to preserve its honor immaculate, and pay the promised sum."

"Use all your eloquence, that the king may remain favorably inclined
toward us, and not become angry with us for acting this once against
his orders," admonished the chief burgomaster.

"The king is a high-minded and noble man," said Gotzkowsky,
enthusiastically. "He looks upon a man's word as sacred, and will
understand us and honor us for not wishing to break ours."

An hour later the chief citizens and merchants of Berlin repaired to
the spacious town-hall, where an elegant banquet had been prepared,
and merriment prevailed, and glasses sounded; and Berlin, rescued,
celebrat