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Rh personally appear at the trial. You gentlemen know that I am not concerned as a witness, as I was not present when the thing happened."

"We will clean out the Augean stables," said Diederich, and he began about the Veterans' Association, to which every true patriot and loyal supporter of the Emperor would have to rally. The major assumed a professional air. Yes, indeed, he was on the committee of the Association. They served their King as best they could; he was ready to propose Diederich as a member, so that the loyal element might be strengthened; hitherto, there was no use denying it, the damned Democrats predominated even there. In the major's opinion, the authorities were far too considerate towards the peculiar conditions in Netzig. He himself, if he had been appointed commanding officer of the District, would have kept a sharp check on the officers of the Reserve at the elections, he guaranteed that. "But, unfortunately, my King did not give me the opportunity, so—" In order to console him Diederich filled his glass again. While the major was drinking Jadassohn leaned over to Diederich and whispered: "Don't believe a word of it! He is a spineless creature and crawls before old Buck. We must make an impression on him."

Diederich proceeded to do so at once. "I may tell you that I have already made formal arrangements with Governor von Wulckow." And as the major opened his eyes in astonishment: "Next year, major, come the Reichstag elections. Then we loyal citizens will have a heavy task. The fight is already on."

"Forward," said the major grimly. "Prost!"

"The same to you!" replied Diederich. "Gentlemen, however powerful the subversive elements in the country may be, we are stronger, for we have one agitator whom our opponents have not, and that is His Majesty."

"Bravo!"