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354 would stop and gaze into these faces pregnant with the future, inspired once more by the hope with which, all his life long, he had looked into the face of every fellow-creature.

In the meantime Diederich had really little time to pay attention to the minor accompaniments of his progress. The "Netzig Journal," now unreservedly at Diederich's disposal, established the fact that it was Herr Buck himself who, prior to his resignation as chairman of the board of directors, had to propose the appointment of Dr. Hessling as general director. The fact seemed rather peculiar to many people. But Rothsgroschen drew attention to Dr. Hessling's great and undeniable services to the community in that capacity. But for him, who had quietly acquired more than half the shares, they would certainly have fallen still more, and a great many families had only Dr. Hessling to thank if they were saved from ruin. The strike had been prevented by the energetic action of the new chairman. His loyalty to King and country was a guarantee that for the future the sun of governmental approval would never set on Gausenfeld. In brief, glorious days were dawning for the industrial life of Netzig, and especially for the paper industry—the more so, as the rumour of an amalgamation of Hessling's business and Gausenfeld proved to be true. Rothgroschen was able to state that only on this condition could Dr. Hessling be prevailed upon to take charge of Gausenfeld.

As a matter of fact Diederich lost no time in increasing the share capital. The Hessling factory was put in as new capital. Diederich did an excellent stroke of business. Success had crowned his first deal with the government. He was master of the situation, with his docile board of directors, and could proceed to impress his commanding personality upon the internal organisation of the business. At the outset he assembled the entire staff of workers and employes. "Some of you," he said, "already know me from the Hessling factory. Well, the rest of you will soon know me better! Whoever is