Page:Paine--J Archibauld McKaney collector of whiskers.djvu/92

  Bumphauser wanted to know what the music had to do with a barber, and the latter was rash enough to say:

"It is the grand concert to-morrow, stupid. But if I do not do my duty right, the concert will be ruined. And Herr von McKackney will die of a broken heart."

Of course the misguided peasant was keenly interested by this time, and he had heard enough to make him thirst for more information. The German farm-hand with whom he lodged had been previously summoned to the music-room to help move some heavy machinery, and he had watched the barber at work with his tuning. By persistent questioning Hans Bumphauser began to piece together a working theory of revenge. In short, his conclusion must have been that if in some way he could tamper with the whiskers of the twenty-two guests he would deal a mortal blow at the hated Herr von McKackney.

Ignorant of any menacing danger I was preparing to welcome the distinguished company of scientists and musicians. They were 74]