“Because they were still a hundred miles from Berlin.  Oh, yes! we know you, gentlemen of the press.  You are full of courage as long as no enemy is in the field, but as soon as you scent him and see the points of his lances, you become quite humble and mild; and when he comes threateningly down upon you, assure him of your respect and swear to him that you love him,” interrupted Gotzkowsky.

“You are pleased to jest,” said Mr. Krause, casting a rapid glance of hatred at Gotzkowsky; “it is well, indeed, that the rich and powerful Gotzkowsky is so cheerful.  I will notice it in my journal.  It is news for ’Change, and the funds will rise when people hear that Gotzkowsky has laughed.”

Gotzkowsky’s countenance became sad and serious.  “You may tell the world,” said he, “that my lips laugh; but how my heart feels, that you gossips and newspapers know nothing about.”

“God be praised,” said Kretschmer, ironically, “you are now talking earnestly, and I can request you to listen to our serious representations.  It is no idle rumor that I have told you.  The Russians are already at the gates of Berlin.  They have hurried thither by forced marches.  This news is no longer a secret.  All Berlin knows it, and it is only accidentally that you have not learned it earlier.”

“Oh, Heavens!” sobbed Krause, wringing his hands, “what a terrible fate awaits our unfortunate town!”

Gotzkowsky looked at him with a gloomy frown.  “You are, it is true, an old man,” said he, “but even old men should, at such a time, possess some manhood.  But you, Mr. Kretschmer, are young and hearty; what do you say to this approach of the Russians?”

“I say,” replied Kretschmer, sharply, “I say that it would be madness to excite the wrath of the enemy by resistance.  I say, that those citizens who call on the people to fight are rash fools.”

“Oh!” cried Gotzkowsky, joyfully, “if there be any such rash fools, then all is not lost!”

“Can you comprehend such madness?” whispered Krause, “to wish to oppose an overwhelming force while all our capable men and youths are with the army in Silesia, and we have no troops but the sick and maimed; no artillery save two old rusty cannon?”

“A people willing to fight for liberty,” cried Gotzkowsky, “such a people have the strength of a giant even without cannon and bayonets.  God has given them hands and paving-stones.  If we cannot shoot down the enemy who threatens our liberty, we can beat him down.”

“What do you say?” stammered Krause, looking with amazement at Gotzkowsky’s glowing countenance.

“I say,” said Gotzkowsky, “that you have mistaken your man.  I will not advise the brave Berlin people to yield without having at least fought for their freedom.”

“But only reflect!” exclaimed Kretschmer, while Krause paced up and down, wringing his hands and moaning in a low tone; “have you forgotten that the Russian generals have proclaimed that the empress has commanded them to leave nothing but air and earth to the inhabitants of every conquered town and province of Prussia?”