The Merchant of Berlin eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 442 pages of information about The Merchant of Berlin.

The Merchant of Berlin eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 442 pages of information about The Merchant of Berlin.

But while they thought this to themselves, they rushed forward and embraced each other, with greetings and assurances of friendship, to all appearances warm and sincere.

“I am not mistaken!  It is my dear friend Krause.”

“Oh, what happiness! my dear Kretschmer!”

And they shook each other’s hands and repeated their asseverations of friendship and esteem, but, at the same time, breathed in their hearts their curses and execrations.  But the two editors were not the only persons who had sought the 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 even the two bottles of Johannisberger are not sufficient to inspire me with courage.  Is it not terrible that the honorable Council should be obliged to attend in person?  It is an unheard-of indignity!”

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The Merchant of Berlin from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.