e Kottbuss Gate at this early hour. An
Austrian officer with a guard of soldiers, in his search after the two
editors, had also reached the spot, and was marching with his men from
the corner near the gate, looking eagerly right and left and up at all
the windows. His eye fell upon these two men who were shrinking
from his sight, uttering pious ejaculations to Heaven. The officer
approached them and demanded their names. Neither answered. The
officer repeated his question, and accompanied it with such threats as
convinced Mr. Krause of the imperative necessity of answering it. He
bowed, therefore, respectfully to the officer, and pointing to his
friend, said, "This is Mr. Kretschmer, the editor of the _Vossian
Gazette_."

Kretschmer cast upon him a look full of hatred and revenge. "And
this," said he, with a wicked smile, "is Mr. Krause, editor of
_Spener's Journal_."

An expression of joyous triumph shone in the countenance of the
officer: "You are my prisoners, gentlemen," said he, as he beckoned to
his soldiers to arrest them.

Pale did Mr. Krause grow as he drew back a step. "Sir, this must be a
mistake. We are quiet, peaceable citizens, who have nothing to do with
the war, but only busy ourselves with our pens."

"Our arrest is contrary to all national law," cried Mr. Kretschmer,
at the same time endeavoring to defend himself from the weapons which
were pointed at him.

The officer laughed. "In war we know no national law. You are my
prisoners." And disregarding their struggles and cries for help, they
dragged the two editors as prisoners to the guard-house at the New
Market.

* * * * *

CHAPTER II.

THE CHIEF MAGISTRATE OF BERLIN.

After a short interval of quiet and lonesomeness at the Kottbuss Gate,
there appeared, first far down the street, then approaching nearer and
nearer, a solemn procession. Foremost staggered the chief burgomaster,
Von Kircheisen, in full uniform, adorned with his golden chain, which
rustled as it rose and sank with his hurried, feverish respiration.
He was followed by the second burgomaster, with the Town Council, and
deputation of merchants, headed by Gotzkowsky. With solemn, serious
air, these gentlemen took up their position at the gate.

The chief burgomaster then beckoned Gotzkowsky to his side. "Stand
by me, my friend," said he, with a groan, and offering his hand to
Gotzkowsky with a dismal air. "I am suffering terribly, and eve