Gotzkowsky's shoulder, he
continued: "I pardon you, not in consequence of your idle talk, but
for the sake of this noble gentleman, who has begged for you. You
are free, sirs!" As the two editors were about to break out into
expressions of gratefulness, Tottleben said to them, "It is Gotzkowsky
alone that you have to thank for your liberty."

They threw themselves into Gotzkowsky's arms; with solemn oaths they
vowed him eternal, inviolable gratitude; they called him their savior,
their liberator from shame and disgrace.

Gotzkowsky smiled at their glowing protestations of friendship, and
withdrew himself gently from their ardent embraces. "I did not do it
for the sake of your thanks, and personally you owe me therefore no
gratitude."

"Gotzkowsky, have you entirely forgotten us?" said a plaintive voice
near him. It was Itzig, one of the rich Jews of the mint, to whom
Gotzkowsky had promised assistance.

"Ask the general," said the latter, smiling.

"He has spoken for you, and his intercession has freed you from the
special tax," said Count Tottleben.

"He has saved us, the great Gotzkowsky has had pity on our
wretchedness," cried the Jews, crowding around Gotzkowsky to press his
hand, to embrace him, and with tears of grateful emotion to promise
him their unalterable attachment.

"You have saved my life," said Itzig, "for I had determined to die
rather than pay any more money. For what is life to me without money?
If the Jew has not money, he is nobody. In saving my money you saved
my life. If ever you should be without money, Gotzkowsky, come to me;
I will lend you some at very low interest."

"I will lend it to you gratis," said Ephraim, pressing his hand
affectionately in his own.

Gotzkowsky answered sadly: "If it ever came to pass that I were
obliged to borrow, you would not remember this day, and I would not be
the man to remind you of it."

"Remind us of it," protested Ephraim, "and you shall see that we
keep our word. Come to us and say, 'Remember the tax that I freed you
from,' and you shall see all that you desire shall be fulfilled."

"God grant that I may never have need to remind you of it!" said
Gotzkowsky, pressing back the excited Jews, and approaching General
Tottleben.

"You forget, sir, that you summoned the honorable Council of Berlin
hither, and that these gentlemen are awaiting your orders."

The general seemed to awaken out of a deep reverie. "Yes," said he,
as if to himself, "t