The brave warriors received this news with a loud hurrah, and embraced each other with tears in their eyes and thanksgiving in their hearts.

“We are saved!” cried they to each other; “Berlin will not be surrendered, Berlin will be victorious, for help has arrived.”  And then they sank down on the pavement, to rest for an hour on this hard bed, after the fatigue of the fierce combat.

But Gotzkowsky could not rest.  For him there was no leisure, no sleep; neither was there any fear or danger for him.  As he had left his house, his daughter, and his riches unguarded, with the same unconcern did he move among the rain of balls and the bursting of shells.  He did not think of death nor of danger!  He only thought of his country, and one great, lofty idea—­the idea of liberty—­burned in his heart and animated his whole being.  The Council, knowing his influence over the citizens, had, therefore, as soon as the Prince of Wurtemberg had arrived with his regiment in Berlin, communicated this intelligence to the brave patriot, and commissioned him to acquaint his men with the fact.  With glistening eye and beaming countenance did he announce this significant intelligence to his brave warriors, reviving their courage, and redoubling their strength as they drove the enemy back from the gates and silenced his cannon.

But yet in his soul Gotzkowsky was sad and full of care.  He had seen the regiments of the Prince of Wurtemberg as they marched in, and he had read in the dull countenances of the soldiers, staggering and sinking from fatigue, that they were not able, nor even in a condition, to hold a sword.  But yet his heart did not fail him.  The elasticity of his courage seemed only to increase with the danger.  Perhaps a short rest, strengthening food, refreshing wine, might restore to these men their lost strength.

And now for the first time since the attack of the enemy did Gotzkowsky turn toward his home; but not to visit his daughter, not to inquire after his property, but to open his wine-cellars, and to let his cashier fill his pockets with gold.

He then returned rapidly down the street directly to the town-hall, where the Council were in session, and had invited the most venerable citizens to consult with them.

Appearing before this august body, Gotzkowsky painted, with glowing eloquence and impressive words, the destitute condition of the regiments which had entered the town.  He demanded for them nourishment and support; he entreated the Council to give these weary troops shelter and rest.

“First let them eat and sleep,” said he, “and then they will fight for us and conquer.  We cannot expect courage from a tired and starved man.”

From the Council he hastened to the rich merchants and factory lords.  The rich man went begging for his hungry brethren, and his pride did not feel itself lowered by the petition.  No one could resist his impetuous eagerness; every one was carried away by his unselfish and impulsive magnanimity.  For the moment, even earthly treasures lost their value, for more valuable possessions were at stake, namely, liberty and honor.  Every one gave cheerfully and most liberally.