"And now for you, most worthy burgomaster," said General Bachmann, sternly, "your name, if you please?"
Von Kircheisen looked at him gloomily, but made no answer.
The general repeated his question in a louder and sterner voice, but the burgomaster still maintained the same obstinate silence.
"Have you, by some unlucky chance, forgotten your name, sir?" asked the general with a lowering brow.
The angry, piercing look he fastened on him, seemed to awaken the burgomaster from his lethargy.
"My name is Kircheisen, Von Kircheisen," stammered he, with a heavy tongue.
"We came as conquerors, sir," said General Bachmann; "and it is usual for conquerors to dictate their terms before they enter a captured city. In the name of our general, Count Tottleben, I have to communicate to you what sum we demand from you as a war contribution. This demand amounts to four millions of dollars in good money."
The burgomaster stared at the general with glazed eyes, broke out into a loud laugh, and staggered back on the wall of the gate-warder's house.
"I implore you, collect yourself," whispered the second burgomaster, as he endeavored to support the reeling, staggering chief. "Remember our weal or woe depends upon you!"
Von Kircheisen grinned an idiotic laugh. "Four millions of dollars!" screamed he aloud. "Four millions of dollars! Hurrah! hurrah for the Russians!"