CHAPTER VI
THE DOWNFALL
Bettina was tired, indeed, when one day before noon they drew near a great city on the banks of the Elbe, its splendid cathedral rising against the sky, the snow falling and melting on its strong walls and fortifications.
When Hans saw the colour of the flags flying over this city, he cried out in horror.
"Gott im Himmel!" he exclaimed, "but the French have taken Magdeburg!"
In all Prussia there was no stronger fortress. On it had rested the whole hope of the country.
For a few moments Hans felt quite stunned. Then, taking Bettina's hand, he turned into a path leading to a red-roofed farmhouse standing in the fields some distance from the walls of Magdeburg.
All along the way they had heard of defeats and misfortunes. Like the houses of cards children build, all the strongholds and forts of Prussia had fallen at the mere breath of Napoleon.
But Magdeburg!