soon."

But as Gotzkowsky turned to hasten away, Herr von Kircheisen seized
him with a convulsive grasp and drew him back. "My God! you are not
going to leave me?" he whined out. "Only think--"

"That the brave and noble citizens may lay the general's words as
a balm to their wounds--that is what I am thinking of," cried
Gotzkowsky, tearing himself loose and hurrying away with rapid
strides.

"And now for you, most worthy burgomaster," said General Bachmann,
sternly, "your name, if you please?"

Von Kircheisen looked at him gloomily, but made no answer.

The general repeated his question in a louder and sterner voice, but
the burgomaster still maintained the same obstinate silence.

"Have you, by some unlucky chance, forgotten your name, sir?" asked
the general with a lowering brow.

The angry, piercing look he fastened on him, seemed to awaken the
burgomaster from his lethargy.

"My name is Kircheisen, Von Kircheisen," stammered he, with a heavy
tongue.

"We came as conquerors, sir," said General Bachmann; "and it is usual
for conquerors to dictate their terms before they enter a captured
city. In the name of our general, Count Tottleben, I have to
communicate to you what sum we demand from you as a war contribution.
This demand amounts to four millions of dollars in good money."

The burgomaster stared at the general with glazed eyes, broke out
into a loud laugh, and staggered back on the wall of the gate-warder's
house.

"I implore you, collect yourself," whispered the second burgomaster,
as he endeavored to support the reeling, staggering chief. "Remember
our weal or woe depends upon you!"

Von Kircheisen grinned an idiotic laugh. "Four millions of dollars!"
screamed he aloud. "Four millions of dollars! Hurrah! hurrah for the
Russians!"

The countenance of the general became still more threatening, and an
angry light flashed from his eye. "Do you dare to mock me?" asked
he, in a harsh tone. "Beware, sir; and remember that you are the
conquered, and in our power. I demand from you a decided answer. You
understand my demand, do you not?"

But still he answered not. He stared at General Bachmann with a vacant
smile, and his head wagged from side to side like the pendulum of a
clock.

"This is disgraceful conduct," cried the general, "conduct which does
little honor to the chief magistrate of Berlin. But I warn you, sir,
to beware! I have promised the poor and suffering my protection, but I
well