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142. He does not like to be forestalled. If I were to write in the paper that you, Dr. Hessling, should be appointed minister, then—he, he—you would certainly never be appointed."

"The perverted reasoning of a Jew," cried Jadassohn. The editor became indignant. "Every time there is a High Church festival I write a column and a half of appropriate sentiment. The sentry, however, may be accused of murder. Then we shall have put our foot in it."

A silence ensued. Abstractedly the major laid the pencil on the table. Diederich seized it. "Are we loyal citizens?" and he signed his name furiously. Then the enthusiasm was renewed. Rothgroschen wanted to sign his name second.

"To the telegraph-office!"

Diederich gave orders to have the bill sent to him the next day and they left the restaurant. All of a sudden Rothgroschen was full of the wildest hopes. "If I can get the Emperor's reply it will be a real journalistic scoop."

The major bellowed: "Now we shall see whether I am to continue arranging charity bazaars!"

Pastor Zillich could already see his church swarming with people and Heuteufel being stoned by the mob. Kühnchen was dreaming of the streets of Netzig bathed in blood. "Does any one dare to question my loyalty to the Emperor?" crowed Jadassohn. And Diederich: "Old Buck had better look out! and Klüsing and Gausenfeld, too! We are awakening from our sleep!"

The gentlemen held themselves very straight, and from time to time one of them shot forward unexpectedly. They made a great noise with their sticks on the closed shutters of the shops, and they sang the "Watch on the Rhine" without making the slightest effort to keep in time with one another. At the corner of the Courthouse stood a policeman, but fortunately he did not move. "Do you want anything, little man?" should Rothgroschen, who was oblivious of all