begging. And, in fact, I am only
begging for yourself."

Tottleben looked at him in inquiring astonishment, but in silence. "I
am not begging for favor," continued Gotzkowsky, "but for justice; and
if you grant this, why, it is so much gained for you. Then, indeed,
the world will esteem you as not only brave, but just; and then
only will history honor you as truly great--the equitable and humane
conqueror. The Vandals, too conquered by the sword; and if it only
depended on mere brute strength, wild bulls would be the greatest
generals."

Tottleben cast a fierce, angry look toward him "For that reason,"
cried he, threateningly, "he is a fool who irritates a wild bull."

Gotzkowsky bowed and smiled. "It is true one should never show him
a red cloak. A firm, unterrified countenance is the only way to tame
him. The bull is powerless against the mind which beams out of the
human eye."

It was very probably the very boldness of this answer which pleased
the general, accustomed as he was to Russian servility. His features
assumed a softer expression, and he said, in a milder tone: "You are
an extraordinary man, and there is no use in contending with you.
One is obliged to do whatever you wish. Well, now--quick, out with
it--what do you want of me?"

"Justice," said Gotzkowsky. "You gave me your word that your soldiers
should not rob nor plunder, and, notwithstanding, they do it."

"That is not true!" thundered the general.

"It is true," replied Gotzkowsky, calmly.

"Who dares to contradict me?" cried Tottleben, trembling with rage,
and striding toward Gotzkowsky.

"I dare," answered the latter, "if you call that 'to dare' which is
only convincing you of your error. I, myself, have seen your soldiers
striking down the flying women with the butts of their muskets,
robbing and plundering the houses. Your orders have been but poorly
obeyed; and your soldiers _almost_ equal the Austrians in rudeness and
violence."

A light smile played over Tottleben's countenance. Gotzkowsky had
understood how to soften his anger. "_Almost_--only," said he, "woe
be to my soldiers if they equal the Austrians in rudeness!" With
hasty steps he traversed the apartment, and called his adjutant. "Send
patrols through the whole town," was his order to the officer as
he entered, "and give orders to all the soldiers to maintain strict
discipline. Whoever dares to plunder, is guilty of disobedience to
military orders, and shall be tried by mi