The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-04-30

eral who should appear before their gates But needless of the orders of the King, the merchant Gotzkowsky
 went about arousing the citizens to re- sistance, strengthening the faltering spirits of the town authorities and managed to so infuse his own spirit
 into what had before been but panic stricken community that when the enemy appeared before the walls they were met by a stubborn resistance. Gotzk owsky had performed wonders, hut he could not change the course of the siege. The allies were victorious, Berlin surrendered to the Russian com
 mander, the Austrians entered with the Russians and the capital of the Great Frederick was for a few days at the mercy of his enemies. In the troublous lime of the surrender it was to 'Gotz-
 kowsky that all looked to mitigate the
 hard terms of the victors, to save from | heir wrath those most forward in re-
 sisting them and In making the terms for the vanquished easy.
 He was employed in these public duties and the victors were marching i,to the city when Feodor von Brenda appeared at the house of the merchant. Elise was in a hall next her room on
 the garden side of the house. Its win low opened on porch from which handsomely ornamented steps of bronze led down into the garden. It was night, mild and pleasant, and the moon shone brightly. She became aware of
 steps approaching; they ascended the bo the embrace of Feodor von Brenda Do not be afraid sweet one," he whis- pered, my people are now masters of
 this town. Even your father must now
 learn to yield and forget his hatred" He will never do it-you do not know
 him, Feodor," she replied.
 As they talked words of love and called | up the obstacles which lay in the way of | their union-seeking a way to overcome them-the voice of Gotzkowsky was heard
 in the garden ordering the servants to shut the gates and watch them careful ly. 'He will kill me If he finds you here," cried Elise. T will protect you
 with my life.' replied the count 'Oh. for the love of God, hide yourself,' sobbed Elise, ''your life, as well as mine,
 is at stake. And more than that, my
 honor is at stake-I am alone with you"
 You are right" replied von Brenda and suffered Elise to lead him to her own chamber, into which she pushed him anI shut the door.
 Scarcely had she done so when her fa-
 ther and one of the workmen entered the
 gallery through the porch. The merchant threw himself wearily upon a couch. | What, dreadful night! he said; T am exhausted" Then he greeted his daugh- | ter with words of affection and solicitude. For two days. Elise," said he, T have been only the citizen and the soldier; now I can be again the father" A noise was heard-a fugitive from the vengeance I of the Austrans, who had entered the city with the Russians and had not felt themselves obliged to observe the terms of equalization.
 A young man, gunner, who had | worked havoc with the allies with his
 cannon placed before the main gate, ha6 been marked by the Austrians for slaugh-
 ter and had fled for shelter to the house
 of Gotzkowsky. The fugitive came rush ing into the presence of the merchant. They pursue me everywhere!' he cried ''I am hunted by De Lacy's dragons like
 wild animal! They will kill me! Do not give me up to the enemy, Father Gotz- | kowsky,' You are safe," replied the
 merchant Follow me, my son; in my | daughters chamber is safe hiding place. The mirror in the wall covers a
 secret door, behind which Is space just large enough to conceal a person. Come!' Not there, not there father!" cried Elise. and sprang before the door of | her chamber.
 Gotzkowsky stepped back in astonish
 ment and gazed searchingly at his daugh- ter. Behind the picture of the Virgin
 in the great hall Is another hiding place. ? said Elise; 'earry him thither." Dark