al Fermore's
dispatches lay before him, and compelled him to be harsh.

"You think you speak wisely, and yet you talk nothing but impudent
nonsense," said he, with assumed severity. "Who thinks of destroying
the poor man's property? The royal property shall be destroyed, and
nothing else."

"But the gold and silver manufactories and the warehouse are not the
property of the king," said Gotzkowsky quickly. "Not a penny goes
thence into the king's treasury."

The general's countenance brightened up considerably. "Not into the
king's treasury?" said he; "where, then, does it go?"

"The money, your excellency, which is earned at the gold and silver
factories and at the warehouse is devoted to a praiseworthy and
touching purpose. Perhaps you are a father--have children; and when
you go into battle you think of them, and utter a silent prayer,
intrusting them to God's care, and praying that they may not be left
orphans."

Count Tottleben muttered some untelligible words, and stretched
out his hand deprecatingly. His lips trembled, and to conceal his
agitation he turned away.

Gotzkowsky cried out joyously: "Oh, I see in your eyes that you are
vainly trying to compel yourself to look at me in anger. Yes, you are
a father. Well, then, father, spare the orphans! From the proceeds
of the gold and silver factories, and the warehouse, the new, large
orphan-house in Potsdam is supported. Oh, you cannot be so cruel as
to deprive the poor children, whom the pitiless war has rendered
fatherless, of their last support, of their last refuge!"

The general stepped up to him, and grasped his hand. "God be my
witness that I will not! But is this so certainly? Do you speak the
truth?"

"Yes, it is the truth!"

"Can you swear to it?"

"Yes, with the most sacred oath."

The general paced the room in silence several times, and then, pausing
before Gotzkowsky, laid his hand on his shoulder. "Listen," said he.
"I have often been reproached at home for being too soft and pitiful.
But never mind! I will once more follow my own inclination, and act in
spite of the orders which I have received. You must help me. Put
all that you have just stated down on paper. Write down that these
buildings are not the property of the king, but of the orphan-house.
Swear to it with a sacred oath, and affix your signature and seal.
Will you do this?"

"Gladly will I do it," cried Gotzkowsky, his face radiant. "Never have
I signed my name with a happ