CHAPTER V.

Produced by Charles Bowen, from page scans provided by the Web Archive

Transcriber's notes:

1. Page scan source:

http://www.archive.org/details/progressionists00bolagoog

2. The diphthong oe is represented by [oe].

THE

PROGRESSIONISTS,

AND

ANGELA.

_TRANSLATED FROM THE GERMAN OF CONRAD VON BOLANDEN_.

* * * * *

New York:

THE CATHOLIC PUBLICATION SOCIETY,

9 WARREN STREET.

1873.

* * * * *

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by

THE CATHOLIC PUBLICATION SOCIETY,

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C.

* * * * *

THE PROGRESSIONISTS.

CHAPTER I.

THE WAGER

The balcony of the _palais_ Greifmann contains three persons who

together represent four million florins. It is not often that one sees

a group of this kind. The youthful landholder, Seraphin Gerlach, is

possessor of two millions. His is a quiet disposition; very calm, and

habitually thoughtful; innocence looks from his clear eye upon the

world; physically, he is a man of twenty-three; morally, he is a child

in purity; a profusion of rich brown hair clusters about his head; his

cheeks are ruddy, and an attractive sweetness plays round his mouth.

The third million belongs to Carl Greifmann, the oldest member of the

group, head _pro tem_. of the banking-house of the same name. This

gentlemen is tall, slender, animated; his cheeks wear no bloom; they

are pale. His carriage is easy and smooth. Some levity is visible in

his features, which are delicate, but his keen, glancing eye is

disagreeable beside Seraphin's pure soul-mirror. Greifmann's sister

Louise, not an ordinary beauty, owns the fourth million. She is seated

between the young gentlemen; the folds of her costly dress lie heaped

around her; her hands are engaged with a fan, and her eyes are sending

electric glances into Gerlach's quick depths. But these flashing beams

fail to kindle; they expire before they penetrate far into those

depths. His eyes are bright, but they refuse to gleam with intenser

fire. Strange, too, for a twofold reason; first, because glances from

the eyes of beautiful women seldom suffer young men to remain cool;

secondly, because a paternal scheme designs that Louise shall be

engaged and married to the fire-proof hero.

Millions of money are rare; and should millions strive to form an

alliance, it is in conformity with the genius of every solid banking

establishment to view this as quite a natural tendency.

For eight days Mr. Seraphin has been on a visit at the _palais_

Greifmann, but as yet he has yielded no positive evidence of intending

to join his own couple of millions with the million of Miss Louise.

Whilst Seraphin converses with the beautiful young lady, Carl Greifmann

cursorily examines a newspaper which a servant has just brought him on

a silver salver.

"Every age has its folly," suddenly exclaims the banker. "In the

seventeenth century people were busy during thirty years cutting one

another's throats for religion's sake--or rather, in deference to the

pious hero of the faith from Sweden and his fugleman Oxenstiern. In the

eighteenth century, they decorated their heads with periwigs and

pigtails, making it a matter of conjecture whether both ladies and

gentlemen were not in the act of developing themselves from monkeydom

into manhood.

"Elections are the folly of our century. See here, my good fellow, look

what is written here: In three days the municipal elections will come

off throughout the country--in eighteen days the election of delegates.

For eighteen days the whole country is to labor in election throes.

Every man twenty-one years of age, having a wife and a homestead, is to

be employed in rooting from out the soil of party councilmen, mayors,

and deputies.

"And during the period these rooters not unfrequently get at

loggerheads. Some are in favor of Streichein the miller, because

Streichein has lavishly greased their palms; others insist upon

re-electing Leimer the manufacturer, because Leimer threatens a

reduction of wages if they refuse to keep him in the honorable

position. In the heat of dispute, quite a storm of oaths and ugly

epithets, yes, and of blows too, rages, and many is the voter who

retires from the scene of action with a bloody head. The beer-shops are

the chief battle-fields for this sort of skirmishing. Here, zealous

voters swill down hogsheads of beer: brewers drive a brisk trade during

elections. But you must not think, Seraphin, that these absurd election

scenes are confined to cities. In rural districts the game is conducted

with no less interest and fury. There is a village not far away, where

a corpulent ploughman set his mind on becoming mayor. What does he, to

get the reins of village government into his great fat fist? Two days

previous to the election he butchers three fatted hogs, has several

hundred ringlets of sausage made, gets ready his pots, and pans for

cooking and roasting, and then advertises: eating and drinking _ad

libitum_ and _gratis_ for every voter willing to aid him to ascend the

mayor's throne. He obtained his object.

"Now, I put the question to you, Seraphin, is not this sort of election

jugglery far more ridiculous and disgusting than the most preposterous

periwigs of the last century?"

"Ignorance and passion may occasion the abuse of the best

institutions," answered the double millionaire. "However, if beer and

pork determine the choice of councilmen and mayors, voters have no

right to complain of misrule. It would be most disastrous to the state,

I should think, were such corrupt means to decide also the election of

the deputies of our legislative assembly."

The banker smiled.

"The self-same man[oe]uvring, only on a larger scale," replied he. Of

course, in this instance, petty jealousies disappear. Streichein the

miller and Leimer the manufacturer make concessions in the interest of

the common party. All stand shoulder to shoulder in the cause of

_progress_ against Ultramontanes and democrats, who in these days have

begun to be troublesome.

"Whilst at municipal elections office-seekers employed money and

position for furthering their personal aims, at deputy elections

_progress_ men cast their means into a common cauldron, from which the

mob are fed and made to drink in order to stimulate them with the

spirit of _progress_ for the coming election. At bottom it amounts to

the same--the stupefaction of the multitude, the rule of a minority, in

which, however, all consider themselves as having part, the folly of

the nineteenth century."

"This is an unhealthy condition of things, which gives reason to fear

the corruption of the whole body politic," remarked the landholder with

seriousness. "The seats of the legislative chamber should be filled not

through bribery and deception of the masses, nor through party passion,

but through a right appreciation of the qualifications that fit a man

for the office of deputy."

"I ask your pardon, my dear friend," interposed the banker with a

laugh. "Being reared by a mother having a rigorous faith has prompted

you to speak thus, not acquaintance with the spirit of the age. Right

appreciation! Heavens, what _naivete_! Are you not aware that

_progress_, the autocrat of our times, follows a fixed, unchanging

programme? It matters not whether Tom or Dick occupies the cushions of

the legislative hall; the main point is to wear the color of

_progress_, and for this no special qualifications are needed. I will

give you an illustration of the way in which these things work. Let us

suppose that every member is provided with a trumpet which he takes

with him to the assembly. To blow this trumpet neither skill, nor quick

perception, nor experience, nor knowledge--neither of these

qualifications is necessary. Now, we will suppose these gentlemen

assembled in the great hall where the destinies of the country are

decided; should abuses need correction, should legislation for church

or state be required, they have only to blow the trumpet of _progress_.

The trumpet's tone invariably accords with the spirit of progress, for

it has been attuned to it. Should it happen that at a final vote upon a

measure the trumpets bray loudly enough to drown the opposition of

democrats and Ultramontanes, the matter is settled, the law is passed,

the question is decided."

"Evidently you exaggerate!" said Seraphin with a shake of the head.

"Your illustration beats the enchanted horn of the fable. Do not you

think so. Miss Louise?"

"Brother's trumpet story is rather odd, 'tis true, yet I believe that

at bottom such is really the state of things."

"The instrument in question is objectionable in your opinion, my

friend, only because you still bear about you the narrow conscience of

an age long since buried. As you never spend more than two short winter

months in the city, where alone the life-pulse of our century can be

felt beating, you remain unacquainted with the present and its spirit.

The rest of the year you pass in riding about on your lands, suffering

yourself to be impressed by the stern rigor of nature's laws, and

concluding that human society harmonizes in the same manner with the

behests of fixed principles. I shall have to brush you up a little. I

shall have to let you into the mysteries of progress, so that you may

cease groping like a blind man in the noonday of enlightenment. Above

all, let us have no narrow-mindedness, no scrupulosity, I beg of you.

Whosoever nowadays walks the grass-grown paths of rigorism is a doomed

man."

Whilst he was saying this, a smile was on the banker's countenance.

Seraph in mused in silence on the meaning and purpose of his

extraordinary language.

"Look down the street, if you please," continued Carl Greifmann. "Do

you observe yon dark mass just passing under the gas-lamp?"

"I notice a pretty corpulent gentleman," answered Seraphin.

"The corpulent gentleman is Mr. Hans Shund, formerly treasurer of this

city," explained Greifmann. "Many years ago, Mr. Shund put his hand

into the public treasury, was detected, removed for dishonesty, and

imprisoned for five years. When set at liberty, the ex-treasurer made

the loaning of money on interest a source of revenue. He conducted this

business with shrewdness, ruined many a family that needed money and in

its necessity applied to him, and became rich. Shund the usurer is

known to all the town, despised and hated by everybody. Even the dogs

cannot endure the odor of usury that hangs about him; just see--all the

dogs bark at him. Shund is moreover an extravagant admirer of the

gentler sex. All the town is aware that this Jack Falstaff contributes

largely to the scandal that is afloat. The pious go so far as to

declare that the gallant Shund will be burned and roasted in hell for

all eternity for not respecting the sixth commandment. Considered in

the light of the time honored morality of Old Franconia, Shund, the

thief, the usurer and adulterer, is a low, good-for-nothing scoundrel,

no question about it. But in the light of the indulgent spirit of the

times, no more can be said than that he has his foibles. He is about to

pass by on the other side, and, as a well-bred man, will salute us."

Seraphin had attentively observed the man thus characterized, but with

the feelings with which one views an ugly blotch, a dirty page in the

record of humanity.

Mr. Shund lowered his hat, his neck and back, with oriental

ceremoniousness in presence of the millions on the balcony. Carl

acknowledged the salute, and even Louise returned it with a friendly

inclination of the head.

The landholder, on the contrary, was cold, and felt hurt at Greifmann's

bowing to a fellow whom he had just described as a scoundrel. That

Louise, too, should condescend to smile to a thief, swindler, usurer,

and immoral wretch! In his opinion, Louise should have followed the

dictates of a noble womanhood, and have looked with honest pity on the

scapegrace. She, on the contrary, greeted the bad man as though he were

respectable, and this conduct wounded the young man's feelings.

"Apropos of Hans Shund, I will take occasion to convince you of the

correctness of my statements," said Carl Greifmann. "Three days hence,

the municipal election is to come off. Mr. Shund is to be elected

mayor. And when the election of deputies takes place, this same Shund

will command enough of the confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens

to be elected to the legislative assembly, thief and usurer though he

be. You will then, I trust, learn to understand that the might of

progress is far removed from the bigotry that would subject a man's

qualifications to a microscopic examination. The enlarged and liberal

principles prevailing in secular concerns are opposed to the

intolerance that would insist on knowing something of an able man's

antecedents before consenting to make use of him. All that Shund will

have to do will be to fall in under the glorious banner of the spirit

of the age; his voting trumpet will be given him; and forthwith he will

turn out a finished mayor and deputy. Do you not admire the power and

stretch of _liberalism_?"

"I certainly do admire your faculty for making up plausible stories,"

answered Seraphin.

"Plausible stories? Not at all! Downright earnest, every word of it.

Hans Shund, take my word for it, will be elected mayor and member of

the assembly."

"In that event," replied the landholder, "Shund's disreputable

antecedents and disgusting conduct at present must be altogether a

secret to his constituents."

"Again you are mistaken, my dear friend. This remark proceeds from your

want of acquaintance with the genius of our times. This city has thirty

thousand inhabitants. Every adult among them has heard of Hans Shund

the thief, usurer, and companion of harlots. And I assure you that not

a voter, not a progressive member of our community, thinks himself

doing what is at all reprehensible by conferring dignity and trust on

Hans Shund. You have no idea how comprehensive is the soul of

liberalism."

"Let us quit a subject that appears to me impossible, nay, even

unnatural," said Gerlach.

"No, no; for this very reason you need to be convinced," insisted the

banker with earnestness. "My prospective--but hold--I was almost guilty

of a want of delicacy. No matter, my _actual_ friend, landholder and

millionaire, must be made see with his eyes and touch with his fingers

what marvels _progress_ can effect. Let us make a bet: Eighteen days

from now Hans Shund will be mayor and member for this city. I shall

stake ten thousand florins. You may put in the pair of bays that won

the best prizes at the last races."

Seraphin hesitated.

"Come on!" urged the banker. "Since you refuse to believe my

assertions, let us make a bet. May be you consider my stakes too small

against yours? Very well, I will say twenty thousand florins."

"You will be the loser, Greifmann! Your statements are too

unreasonable."

"Never mind; if I lose, you will be the winner. Do you take me up?"

"Pshaw, Carl! you are too sure," said Louise reproachfully.

"My feeling so sure is what makes me eager to win the finest pair of

horses I ever saw. Is it possible that you are a coward?"

The landholder's face reddened. He put his right hand in the banker's.

"My dear fellow," exclaimed he jubilantly, "I have just driven a

splendid bargain. To convince you of the entire fairness of the

transaction, you are to be present at the manipulation that is to

decide. Even though you lose the horses, your gain is incalculable, for

it consists in nothing less than being convinced of the wonderful

nature and of the omnipotence of progress. I repeat, then, that,

wherever progress reigns, the elections are the supreme folly of the

nineteenth century; for in reality there is no electing; but what

progress decrees, that is fulfilled."

CHAPTER II.

THE LEADERS.

The banker was seated at his office table working for his chance in the

wager with the industry of a thorough business man. Whilst he was

engaged in writing notes, a smile indicative of certainty of success

lit up his countenance; for he was thoroughly familiar with the figures

that entered into his calculations, and, withal, Hans Shund invested

with offices and dignity could not but strike him as a comical anomaly.

"Happy thought! My father travels half of the globe; many wonderful

things come under his observation, no doubt, but the greatest of all

prodigies is to be witnessed right here: Hans Shund, the thief,

swindler, usurer, wanton--mayor and law-maker! And it is the venerable

sire _Progress_ that alone could have begotten the prodigy of a Hans

Shund invested with honors. My Lord Progress is therefore himself a

prodigy--a very extraordinary offspring of the human mind, the

culminating point of enlightenment. Admitting humanity to be ten

thousand million years old, or even more, as the most learned of

scientific men have accurately calculated it, during this rather long

series of years nature never produced a marvel that might presume to

claim rank with progress. Progress is the acme of human culture--about

this there can be no question. Yes, indeed, _the acme_." And he

finished the last word in the last note. "Humanity will therefore have

to face about and begin again at the beginning; for after progress

nothing else is possible." He rang his bell.

"Take these three notes to their respective addresses immediately,"

said he to the servant who had answered the ring. Greifmann stepped

into the front office, and gave an order to the cashier. Returning to

his own cabinet, he locked the door that opened into the front office.

He then examined several iron safes, the modest and smooth polish of

which suggested neither the hardness of their iron nature nor the

splendor of their treasures.

"Gold or paper?" said the banker to himself. After some indecision, he

opened the second of the safes. This he effected by touching several

concealed springs, using various keys, and finally shoving back a huge

bolt by means of a very small blade. He drew out twenty packages of

paper, and laid them in two rows on the table. He undid the tape

encircling the packages, and then it appeared that every leaf of both

rows was a five-hundred florin banknote. The banker had exposed a

considerable sum on the table. A sudden thought caused him to smile,

and he shoved the banknotes where they came more prominently into view.

The blooming double millionaire entered.

"Sit down a moment, friend Seraphin, and listen to a short account of

my scheme. I have said before that our city is prospering and growing

under the benign sceptre of progress. The powers and honors of the

sceptre are portioned among three leaders. Everything is directed and

conducted by them--of course, in harmony with the spirit of the times.

I have summoned the aforesaid magnates to appear. That the business may

be despatched with a comfortable degree of expedition, the time when

the visit is expected has been designated in each note; and those

gentlemen are punctual in all matters connected with money and the

bank. You can enter this little apartment, next to us, and by leaving

the door open hear the conversation. The mightiest of the corypheuses

is Schwefel, the straw-hat manufacturer. This potentate resides at a

three-minutes walk from here, and can put in an appearance at any

time."

"I am on tiptoe!" said Gerlach. "You promise what is so utterly

incredible, that the things you are preparing to reveal appear to me

like adventures belonging to another world."

"To another world!--quite right, my dear fellow! I am indeed about to

display to your astounded eyes some wonders of the world of progress

that hitherto have been entirely unknown to you. Within eighteen days

you shall, under my tutorship, receive useful and thorough instruction.

This promise I can make you, as we are just in face of the elections, a

time when minds put aside their disguises, when they not unfrequently

shock one another, and when many secrets come to light!"

"You put me under many obligations!"

"Only doing my duty, my most esteemed! We are both aware that,

according to the wishes of parents and the desired inclinations of

parties known, our respective millions are to approach each other in

closer relationship. To do a relative of mine _in spe_ a favor, gives

me unspeakable satisfaction. I shall proceed with my course of

instruction. See here! Every one of these twenty packages contains

twenty five-hundred florin banknotes. Consequently, both rows contain

just two hundred thousand florins--an imposing sum assuredly, and, for

the purpose of being imposing, the two hundred thousand have been laid

upon this table. Explanation: the mightiest of the spirits of progress

is--Money.

"All forces, all sympathies, revolve about money as the heavenly bodies

revolve about the sun. For this reason the mere proximity of a

considerable sum of money acts upon every man of progress like a

current of electricity: it carries him away, it intoxicates his senses.

The leaders whom I have invited will at once notice the collection of

five-hundred florin notes: in the rapidity of calculating, they will

overestimate the amount, and obtain impressions in proportion, somewhat

like the Jews that prostrated themselves in the dust in adoration of

the golden calf. As for me, my dear fellow, I shall carry on my

operations in the auspicious presence of this power of two hundred

thousands. Such a display of power will produce in the leaders a frame

of mind made up of veneration, worship, and unconditional

submissiveness. Every word of mine will proceed authoritatively from

the golden mouth of the two hundred thousands, and my proposals it will

be impossible for them to reject. But listen! The door of the ante-room

is being opened. The mightiest is approaching. Go in quick." He pressed

the spring of a concealed door, and Seraphin disappeared.

When the straw-hat manufacturer entered, the banker was sitting before

the banknotes apparently absorbed in intricate calculations.

"Ah Mr. Schwefel! pardon the liberty I have taken of sending for you.

The pressure of business," motioning significantly towards the

banknotes, "has made it impossible for me to call upon you."

"No trouble, Mr. Greifmann, no trouble whatever!" rejoined the

manufacturer with profound bows.

"Have the goodness to take a seat!" And he drew an arm-chair quite

near to where the money lay displayed. Schwefel perceived they were

five-hundreds, estimated the amount of the pile in a few rapid glances,

and felt secret shudderings of awe passing through his person.

"The cause of my asking you in is a business matter of some magnitude,"

began the banker. "There is a house in Vienna with which we stand in

friendly relations, and which has very extensive connections in

Hungary. The gentlemen of this house have contracts for furnishing

large orders of straw hats destined mostly for Hungary, and they wish

to know whether they can obtain favorable terms of purchase at the

manufactories of this country. It is a business matter involving a

great deal of money. Their confidence in the friendly interest of our

firm, and in our thorough acquaintance with local circumstances, has

encouraged them to apply to us for an accurate report upon this

subject. They intimate, moreover, that they desire to enter into

negotiations with none but solid establishments, and for this reason

are supposed to be guided by our judgment. As you are aware, this

country has a goodly number of straw-hat manufactories. I would feel

inclined, however, as far as it may be in my power, to give your

establishment the advantage of our recommendation, and would therefore

like to get from you a written list of fixed prices of all the various

sorts."

"I am, indeed, under many obligations to you, Mr. Greifmann, for your

kind consideration," said the manufacturer, nodding repeatedly. "Your

own experience can testify to the durability of my work, and I shall

give the most favorable rates possible."

"No doubt," rejoined the banker with haughty reserve. "You must not

forget that the straw-hat business is out of our line. It is incumbent

on us, however, to oblige a friendly house. I shall therefore make a

similar proposal to two other large manufactories, and, after

consulting with men of experience in this branch, shall give the house

in Vienna the advice we consider most to its interest, that is, shall

recommend the establishment most worthy of recommendation."

Mr. Schwefel's excited countenance became somewhat lengthy.

"You should not fail of an acceptable acknowledgment from me, were you

to do me the favor of recommending my goods," explained the

manufacturer.

The banker's coldness was not in the slightest degree altered by the

implied bribe. He appeared not even to have noticed it. "It is also my

desire to be able to recommend you," said he curtly, carelessly taking

up a package of the banknotes and playing with ten thousand florins as

if they were so many valueless scraps of paper. "Well, we are on the

eve of the election," remarked he ingenuously. "Have you fixed upon a

magistrate and mayor?"

"All in order, thank you, Mr. Greifmann!"

"And are you quite sure of the order?"

"Yes; for we are well organized, Mr. Greifmann. If it interests you, I

will consider it as an honor to be allowed to send you a list of the

candidates."

"I hope you have not passed over ex-treasurer Shund?"

This question took Mr. Schwefel by surprise, and a peculiar smile

played on his features.

"The world is and ever will be ungrateful," continued the banker, as

though he did not notice the astonishment of the manufacturer. "I could

hardly think of an abler and more sterling character for the office of

mayor of the city than Mr. Shund. Our corporation is considerably in

debt. Mr. Shund is known to be an accurate financier, and an economical

householder. We just now need for the administration of our city

household a mayor that understands reckoning closely, and that will

curtail unnecessary expenses, so as to do away with the yearly

increasing deficit in the budget. Moreover, Mr. Shund is a noble

character; for he is always ready to aid those who are in want of

money--on interest, of course. Then, again, he knows law, and we very

much want a lawyer at the head of our city government. In short, the

interests of this corporation require that Mr. Shund be chosen chief

magistrate. It is a subject of wonder to me that progress, usually so

clear-sighted, has heretofore passed Mr. Shund by, despite his numerous

qualifications. Abilities should be called into requisition for the

public weal. To be candid, Mr. Schwefel, nothing disgusts me so much as

the slighting of great ability," concluded the banker contemptuously.

"Are you acquainted with Shund's past career?" asked the leader

diffidently.

"Why, yes! Mr. Shund once put his hand in the wrong drawer, but that

was a long time ago. Whosoever amongst you is innocent, let him cast

the first stone at him. Besides, Shund has made good his fault by

restoring what he filched. He has even atoned for the momentary

weakness by five years of imprisonment."

"'Tis true; but Shund's theft and imprisonment are still very fresh in

people's memory," said Schwefel. "Shund is notorious, moreover, as a

hard-hearted usurer. He has gotten rich through shrewd money

speculations, but he has also brought several families to utter ruin.

The indignation of the whole city is excited against the usurer; and,

finally, Shund indulges a certain filthy passion with such effrontery

and barefacedness that every respectable female cannot but blush at

being near him. These characteristics were unknown to you, Mr.

Greifmann; for you too will not hesitate an instant to admit that a man

of such low practices must never fill a public office."

"I do not understand you, and I am surprised!" said the millionaire.

"You call Shund a usurer, and you say that the indignation of the whole

town is upon him. Might I request from you the definition of a usurer?"

"They are commonly called usurers who put out money at exorbitant,

illegal interest."

"You forget, my dear Mr. Schwefel, that speculation is no longer

confined to the five per cent. rate. A correct insight into the

circumstances of the times has induced our legislature to leave the

rate of interest altogether free. Consequently, a usurer has gotten to

be an impossibility. Were Shund to ask fifty per cent, and more, he

would be entitled to it."

"That is so; for the moment I had overlooked the existence of the law,"

said the manufacturer, somewhat humiliated. "Yet I have not told you

all concerning the usurer. Beasts of prey and vampires inspire an

involuntary disgust or fear. Nobody could find pleasure in meeting a

hungry wolf, or in having his blood sucked by a vampire. The usurer is

both vampire and wolf. He hankers to suck the very marrow from the

bones of those who in financial straits have recourse to him. When an

embarrassed person borrows from him, that person is obliged to mortgage

twice the amount that he actually receives. The usurer is a heartless

strangler, an insatiable glutton. He is perpetually goaded on by

covetousness to work the material ruin of others, only so that the ruin

of his neighbor may benefit himself. In short, the usurer is a monster

so frightful, a brute so devoid of conscience, that the very sight of

him excites horror and disgust. Just such a monster is Shund in the

eyes of all who know him--and the whole city knows him. Hence the man

is the object of general aversion."

"Why, this is still worse, still more astonishing!" rejoined the

millionaire with animation. "I thought our city enlightened. I should

have expected from the intelligence and judgment of our citizens

that they would have deferred neither to the sickly sentimentalism

of a bigoted morality nor to the absurdity of obsolete dogmas. If

your description of the usurer, which might at least be styled

poetico-religious, is an expression of the prevailing spirit of this

city, I shall certainly have to lower my estimate of its intelligence

and culture."

The leader hastened to correct the misunderstanding.

"I beg your pardon, Mr. Greifmann! You may rest assured that we

can boast all the various conquests made by modern advancement.

Religious enthusiasm and foolish credulity are poisonous plants that

superannuated devotees are perhaps still continuing to cultivate here

and there in pots, but which the soil will no longer produce in the

open air. The sort of education prevailing hereabout is that which has

freed itself from hereditary religious prejudices. Our town is blessed

with all the benefits of progress, with liberty of thought, and freedom

from the thraldom of a dark, designing priesthood."

"How comes it, then, that a man is an object of contempt for acting in

accordance with the principles of this much lauded progress?" asked the

millionaire, with unexpected sarcasm. "We are indebted to progress for

the abolition of a legal rate of interest. Shund takes advantage of

this conquest, and for doing so citizens who boast of being progressive

look upon him with aversion. A further triumph secured by progress is

freedom from the tyranny of dogmas and the tortures of a conscience

created by a contracted morality. This beautiful fruit of the tree of

enlightened knowledge Shund partakes of and enjoys; and for this he has

the distinction of passing for a vampire. And because he displays the

spirit of an energetic business man, because his capacity for

speculating occasionally overwhelms blockheads and dunces, he is

decried as a ravenous wolf. It is sad! If your statements are correct,

Mr. Schwefel, our city ought not to boast of being progressive. Its

citizens are still groping in the midnight darkness of religious

superstition, scarcely even united with modern intellectual

advancement. And to me the consciousness is most uncomfortable of

breathing an atmosphere poisoned by the decaying remnants of an age

long since buried."

"My own personal views accord with yours," protested Schwefel candidly.

"The subversion of the antiquated, absurd articles of faith and moral

precept necessarily entails the abrogation of the consequences that

flow from them for public life. For centuries the cross was a symbol of

dignity, and the doctrine of the Crucified resulted in holiness.

Paganism, on the contrary, looked upon the gospel as foolishness, as a

hallucination, and upon the cross as a sign of shame. I belong to the

classic ranks, and so do millions like myself--among them Mr. Shund.

Viewed in the light of progress, Shund is neither a vampire nor a wolf;

at the worst, he is merely an ill used business man. They who suffer

themselves to be humbugged and fleeced by him have their own stupidity

to thank for it. This exposition will convince you that I stand on a

level with yourself in the matter of advanced enlightenment.

Nevertheless, you overlook, Mr. Greifmann, that, so far as the masses

of the people are concerned, reverence for the cross and the holiness

of its doctrines continue to prevail. The acquisitions of progress are

not yet generally diffused. The mines of modern intellectual culture

are being provisionally worked by a select number of independent, bold

natures. The multitude, on the other hand, still continue folding about

them the winding-sheet of Christianity. The views, customs, principles,

and judgments of men are as yet widely controlled by Christian

elements. Our city does homage to progress, pretty nearly, however, in

the manner of a blind man that discourses of colors."

"I do not catch the drift of your simile of the blind man and colors,"

interrupted Greifmann.

"I wanted to intimate that thousands swear allegiance to progress

without comprehending its nature. Very many imagine progress to be a

struggle in behalf of Germany against the enfeebling system of

innumerable small states, or a battling against religious rigorism and

priest-rule in secular concerns. In unpretending guises like these, the

spirit of the age circulates among the crowd travestied in the

fashionable epithet _progressive_. Were you, however, to remove the

shell from around the kernel of progress, were you to exhibit it to the

multitude undisguised as the nullification of religion, as the denial

of the God of Christians, as the rejection of immortality, and of an

essential difference between man and the beast--were you to venture

thus far, you would see the millions flying in consternation before the

monster Progress. Now, just because the multitude, although

progressive-minded, everywhere judges men by Christian standards, very

often, too, unconsciously, therefore Shund has to pass, not for an able

speculator, but for a miserable usurer and an unconscionable

scoundrel."

"For this very cause, the liberal leaders of this city should stand up

for Shund," opposed the banker. "Just appreciation and respect should

not be denied a deserving man. To speak candidly, Mr. Schwefel, what

first accidentally arrested my attention, now excites my most lively

interest. I wish to see justice done Mr. Shund, to see his uncommon

abilities recognized. You must set his light upon a candlestick. You

must have him elected mayor and member of the legislature; in both

capacities he will fill his position with distinction. I repeat, our

deeply indebted city stands in want of a mayor that will reckon closely

and economize. And in the legislative assembly Shund's fluency will

talk down all opposition, his readiness of speech will do wonders. Were

it only to spite the stupid mob, you must put Shund in nomination."

"It will not do, Mr. Greifmann! it is impracticable! We have to proceed

cautiously and by degrees. Our policy lies in conducting the

unsophisticated masses from darkness into light, quite gradually, inch

by inch, and with the utmost caution. A sudden unveiling of the inmost

significance of the spirit of the age would scare the people, and drive

them back heels over head into the clerical camp."

"I do not at all share your apprehensions," contended the millionaire.

"Our people are further advanced than you think. Make the trial. Your

vast influence will easily manage to have Shund returned mayor and

delegate."

"Undoubtedly, but my standing would be jeopardized," rejoined Schwefel.

"That is a mistake, sir! You employ four hundred families."

"Four hundred and seventy now," said the manufacturer, correcting him

blandly.

"Four hundred and seventy families, therefore, are getting a living

through you, consequently you have four hundred and seventy voters at

your command. Add to these a considerable force of mechanics who earn

wages in your employ. You have, moreover, a number of warm friends who

also command a host of laborers and mechanics. Hence you risk neither

standing nor influence, that is," added he with a smile, "unless

perhaps you dread the anathemas of Ultramontanes and impostors."

"The pious wrath of believers has no terrors deserving notice,"

observed the leader with indifference.

"And yet all this time Shund's remarkable abilities have not been able

to win the slightest notice on the part of progressive men--it is

revolting!" cried the banker. "Mr. Schwefel, I will speak plainly,

trusting to your being discreet; I will recommend your factory at

Vienna, but only on condition that you have Hans Shund elected mayor

and member of the legislature."

"This is asking a great deal--quite flattering for Shund and very

tempting to me," said the leader with a bright face and a thrice

repeated nod to the banker. "Since, however, what you ask is neither

incompatible with the spirit of the times nor dishonorable to the sense

of a liberal man, I accept your offer, for it is no small advantage for

me from a business point of view."

"Capital, Mr. Schwefel! Capital, because very sensible!" spoke Carl

Greifmann approvingly. A short groan, resembling the violent bursting

forth of suppressed indignation, resounded from the adjoining

apartment. The banker shuffled on the floor and drowned the groan by

loudly rasping his throat.

"One condition, however, I must insist upon," continued the

manufacturer of straw hats. "My arm might prove unequal to a task that

will create no ordinary sensation. But if you succeeded in winning over

Erdblatt and Sand to the scheme, it would prosper without fail and

without much noise."

"I shall do so with pleasure, Mr. Schwefel! Both those gentlemen will,

in all probability, call on me today in relation to matters of

business. It will be for me a pleasing consciousness to have aided in

obtaining merited recognition for Hans Shund."

"Our agreement is, however, to be kept strictly secret from the

public."

"Of course, of course!"

"You will not forget, at the same time, Mr. Greifmann, that our very

extraordinary undertaking will necessitate greater than ordinary

outlay. It is a custom among laborers not to work on the day before

election, and the same on election day itself. Yet, in order to keep

them in good humor, they must get wages the same as if they had worked.

This is for the manufacturer no insignificant disadvantage. Moreover,

workingmen and doubtful voters, require to be stimulated with beer

gratis--another tax on our purses."

"How high do these expenses run?" asked the millionaire.

"For Sand, Erdblatt, and myself, they never fall short of twelve

hundred florins."

"That would make each one's share of the costs four hundred florins."

Taking a five-hundred florin banknote between his thumb and forefinger,

the banker reached it carelessly to the somewhat puzzled leader.

"My contribution to the promotion of the interests of progress! I shall

give as much to Messrs. Sand and Erdblatt."

"Many thanks, Mr. Greifmann!" said Schwefel, pocketing the money with

satisfaction.

The millionaire drew himself up. "I have no doubt," said he, in his

former cold and haughty tone, "that my recommendation will secure your

establishment the custom already alluded to."

"I entertain a similar confidence in your influence, and will take the

liberty of commending myself most respectfully to your favor." Bowing

frequently, Schwefel retreated backwards towards the door, and

disappeared. Greifmann stepped to the open entrance of the side

apartment. There sat the youthful landholder, his head resting heavily

on his hand. He looked up, and Carl's smiling face was met by a pair of

stern, almost fierce eyes.

"Have you heard, friend Seraphin?" asked he triumphantly.

"Yes--and what I have heard surpasses everything. You have bargained

with a member of that vile class who recognize no difference between

honor and disgrace, between good and evil, between self-respect and

infamy, who know only one god--which is money."

"Do not show yourself so implacable against these _vile_ beings, my

dearest! There is much that is useful in them, at any rate they are

helping me to the finest horses belonging to the aristocracy."

A stealthy step was heard at the door of the cabinet.

"Do you hear that timid rap?" asked the banker. "The rapper's heart is

at this moment in his knuckles. It is curious how men betray in trifles

what at the time has possession of their feelings. The mere rapping

gives a keen observer an insight into the heart of a person whom he

does not as yet see. Listen--" Rapping again, still more stealthily and

imploringly. "I must go and relieve the poor devil, whom nobody would

suspect for a mighty leader. Now, Mr. Seraphin, Act the Second. Come

in!"

The man who entered, attired in a dress coat and kids, was Erdblatt, a

tobacco merchant, spare in person, and with restless, spering eyes. The

millionaire greeted him coldly, then pointed him to the chair that had

been occupied by Schwefel. The impression produced by the two hundred

thousands on the man of tobacco was far more decided than in the case

of the manufacturer of straw hats. Erdblatt was restless in his chair,

and as the needle is attracted by the pole, so did Erdblatt's whole

being turn towards the money. His eyes glanced constantly over the

paper treasures, and a spasmodic jerking seized upon his fingers. But

he soon sat motionless and stiff, as if thunderstruck at Greifmann's

terrible words.

"Your substantial firm," began the mighty man of money, after some few

formalities, "has awaked in me a degree of attention which the ordinary

course of business does not require. I have to-day received notice from

an English banking-house that in a few days several bills first of

exchange, amounting to sixty thousand florins, will be presented to be

paid by you."

Erdblatt was dumfounded and turned pale.

"The amount is not precisely what can be called insignificant,"

continued Greifmann coolly, "and I did not wish to omit notifying you

concerning the bills, because, as you are aware, the banking business

is regulated by rigorous and indiscriminating forms."

Erdblatt took the hint, turned still more pale, and uttered not a word.

"This accumulation of bills of exchange is something abnormal,"

proceeded Greifmann with indifference. "As they are all made payable on

sight, you are no doubt ready to meet this sudden rush with proud

composure," concluded the banker, with a smile of cold politeness.

But the dumfounded Erdblatt was far from enjoying proud composure. His

manner rather indicated inability to pay and panic terror. "Not only is

the accumulation of bills of exchange to the amount of sixty thousand

florins something abnormal, but it also argues carelessness," said he

tersely. "Were it attributable to accident, I should not complain; but

it has been occasioned by jealous rivalry. Besides, they are bills

first of exchange--it is something never heard of before--it is

revolting--there is a plot to ruin me! And I have no plea to allege for

putting off these bills, and I am, moreover, unable to pay them."

The banker shrugged his shoulders coldly, and his countenance became

grave.

"Might I not beg you to aid me, Mr. Greifmann?" said he anxiously. "Of

course, I shall allow you a high rate of interest."

"That is not practicable with bills of exchange," rejoined the banker

relentlessly.

"When will the bills be presented?" asked the leader, with increasing

anxiety.

"Perhaps as early as to-morrow," answered Greifmann, still more

relentless.

The manufacturer of tobacco was near fainting.

"I cannot conceive of your being embarrassed," said the banker coldly.

"Your popularity and influence will get you assistance from friends, in

case your exchequer happens not to be in a favorable condition."

"The amount is too great; I should have to borrow in several quarters.

This would give rise to reports, and endanger the credit of my firm."

"You are not wrong in your view," answered the banker coldly.

"Accidents may shake the credit of the most solid firm, and other

accidents may often change trifling difficulties into fatal

catastrophes. How often does it not occur that houses of the best

standing, which take in money at different places, are brought to the

verge of bankruptcy through public distrust?"

The words of the money prince were nowise calculated to reassure Mr.

Erdblatt.

"Be kind enough to accept the bills, and grant me time," pleaded he

piteously.

"That, sir, would be contrary to all precedents in business," rejoined

Greifmann, with an icy smile. "Our house never deviates from the paths

of hereditary custom."

"I could pay in ten thousand florins at once," said Erdblatt once more.

"Within eight weeks I could place fifty thousand more in your hands."

"I am very sorry, but, as I said, this plan is impracticable," opposed

Greifmann. "Yet I have half a mind to accept those bills, but only on a

certain condition."

"I am willing to indemnify you in any way possible," assured the

tobacco merchant, with a feeling of relief!

"Hear the condition stated in a few words. As you know, I live

exclusively for business, never meddle in city or state affairs.

Moreover, labor devoted by me to political matters would be

superfluous, in view of the undisputed sway of liberalism.

Nevertheless, I am forced to learn, to my astonishment, that progress

itself neglects to take talent and ability into account, and exhibits

the most aristocratic nepotism. The remarkable abilities of Mr. Shund

are lost, both to the city and state, merely because Mr. Shund's

fellow-citizens will not elect him to offices of trust. This is unjust;

to speak plainly, it is revolting, when one considers that there is

many a brainless fellow in the City Council who has no better

recommendation than to have descended from an old family, and whose

sole ability lies in chinking ducats which he inherited but never

earned. Shund is a genius compared with such boobies; but genius does

not pass current here, whilst incapacity does. Now, if you will use

your influence to have Shund nominated for mayor of this city, and for

delegate to the legislature, and guarantee his election, you may

consider the bills of exchange as covered."

Not even the critical financial trouble by which he was beset could

prevent an expression of overwhelming surprise in the tobacco man's

face.

"I certainly cannot have misunderstood you. You surely mean to speak of

Ex-Treasurer Shund, of this place?"

"The same--the very same."

"But, Mr. Greifmann, perhaps you are not aware--"

"I am aware of everything," interrupted the banker. "I know that many

years ago Mr. Shund awkwardly put his hand into the city treasury, that

he was sent to the penitentiary, that people imagine they still see him

in the penitentiary garb, and, finally, that in the stern judgment of

the same people he is a low usurer. But usury has been abrogated by

law. The theft Shund has not only made good by restoring what he stole,

but also atoned for by years of imprisonment. Now, why is a man to be

despised who has indeed done wrong, but not worse than others whose

sins have long since been forgotten? Why condemn to obscurity a man

that possesses the most brilliant kind of talent for public offices?

The contempt felt for Shund on the part of a population who boast of

their progress is unaccountable--may be it would not be far from the

truth to believe that some influential persons are jealous of the

gifted man," concluded the banker reproachfully.

"Pardon me, please! The _thief_ and _usurer_ it might perhaps be

possible to elect," conceded Erdblatt. "But Shund's disgusting and

shameless amours could not possibly find grace with the moral sense of

the public."

"Yes, and the origin of this _moral sense_ is the sixth commandment of

the Jew Moses," said the millionaire scornfully. "I cannot understand'

how you, a man of advanced views; can talk in this manner."

"You misinterpret my words," rejoined the leader deprecatingly. "To me,

personally, Shund exists neither as a usurer nor as a debauchee.

Christian modes of judging are, of course, relegated among absurdities

that we have triumphed over. In this instance, however, there is no

question of my own personal conviction, but of the conviction of the

great multitude. And in the estimation of the multitude unbridled

liberty is just as disgraceful as the free enjoyment of what,

_morally_, is forbidden."

"You are altogether in the same rut as Schwefel."

"Have you spoken with Schwefel on this subject?" asked Erdblatt

eagerly.

"Only a moment ago. Mr. Schwefel puts greater trust in his power than

you do in yours, for he agreed to have Shund elected mayor and

delegate. Mr. Schwefel only wishes you and Sand would lend your aid."

"With pleasure! If Schwefel and Sand are won over, then all is right."

"From a hint of Schwefel's," said Greifmann, taking up a

five-hundred-florin banknote from the table, "I infer that the election

canvass is accompanied with some expense. Accept this small

contribution. As for the bills of exchange, the matter is to rest by

our agreement."

Erdblatt also backed out of the cabinet, bowing repeatedly as he

retreated.

Seraphin rushed from his hiding-place in great excitement.

"Why, Greifmann, this is terrible! Do you call that advanced education?

Do you call that progress? Those are demoralized, infernal beings. I

spit upon them! And are these the rabble that are trying to arrogate to

themselves the leadership of the German people?--rabble who ignore the

Deity, the human soul, and morality generally! But what completely

unsettles me is your connivance--at least, your connection with these

infernal spirits."

"But be easy, my good fellow, be easy! _I_ connected with tobacco and

straw?"

"At all events, you have been ridiculing the ten commandments and

Christian morals and faith."

"Was I not obliged to do so in order to show how well the thief,

usurer, and filthy dog Shund harmonizes with the spirit of progress?

Can he who wishes to make use of the devil confer with the devil in the

costume of light? Not at all; he must clothe himself in the mantle of

darkness. And you must not object to my using the demon Progress for

the purpose of winning your span of horses and saving my stakes. Let us

not have a disgraceful altercation. Consider me as a stage actor,

whilst you are a spectator that is being initiated into the latest

style of popular education. Ah, do you hear? The last one is drawing

near. Be pleased to vanish."

The third leader, house-builder Sand, appeared. The greater portion of

his face is hidden by a heavy black beard; in one hand he carries a

stout bamboo cane; and it is only after having fully entered, that he

deliberately removes his hat.

"I wish you a pleasant morning, Mr. Greifmann. You have sent for me:

what do you want?"

The banker slowly raised his eyes from the latest exchange list to the

rough features of the builder, and remembering that the man had risen

up from the mortarboard to his present position, and had gained wealth

and influence through personal energy, he returned the short greeting

with a friendly inclination of the head.

"Will you have the goodness to be seated, Mr. Sand?"

The man of the black beard took a seat, and, having noticed the

handsome collection of banknotes, his coarse face settled itself into a

not very attractive grin.

"I want to impart to you my intention of erecting a villa on the

Sauerberg, near the middle of our estate at Wilheim," continued the

millionaire.

"Ah, that is a capital idea!" And the man of the beard became very

deeply interested. "The site is charming, no view equal to it; healthy

location, vineyards round about, your own vineyards moreover. I could

put you up a gem there."

"That is what I think, Mr. Sand! My father, who has been abroad for the

last three months, is quite satisfied with the plan; in fact, he is the

original projector of it."

"I know, I know! your father has a taste for what is grand. We shall

try and give him satisfaction, which, by the bye, is not so very easy.

But you have the money, and fine fortunes can command fine houses."

"What I want principally is to get you to draw a plan, consulting your

own taste and experience in doing so. You will show it to me when

ready, and I will tell you whether I like it or not."

"Very well, Mr. Greifmann, very well! But I must know beforehand what

amount of money you are willing to spend upon the house; for all

depends upon the cost."

"Well," said the millionaire, after some deliberation, "I am willing to

spend eighty thousand florins on it, and something over, perhaps."

"Ah, well, for that amount of money something can be put up--something

small but elegant. Are you in a hurry with the building?"

"To be sure! As soon as the matter is determined upon, there is to be

no delay in carrying it out."

"I am altogether of your opinion, Mr. Greifmann--I agree with you

entirely!" assented the builder, with an increase of animation. "I

shall draw up a plan for a magnificent house. If it pleases you, all

hands shall at once be set at work, and by next autumn you shall behold

the villa under roof."

"Of course you are yourself to furnish all the materials," added the

banker shrewdly. "When once the plan will have been settled upon, you

can reach me an estimate of the costs, and I will pay over the money."

"To be sure, Mr. Greifmann--that is the way in which it should be done,

Mr. Greifmann!" responded the man of the black beard with a satisfied

air. "You are not to have the slightest bother. I shall take all the

bother upon myself."

"That, then is agreed upon! Well, now, have you learned yet who is to

be the next mayor?"

"Why, yes, the old one is to be reelected!"

"Not at all! We must have an economical and intelligent man for next

mayor. Of this I am convinced, because the annual deficit in the

treasury is constantly on the increase."

"Alas, 'tis true! And who is the man of economy and intelligence to

be?"

"Mr. Hans Shund."

"Who--what? Hans Shund? The thief, the usurer, the convict, the

debauchee? Who has been making a fool of you?"

"Pardon me, sir! I never suffer people to make a fool of me!" rejoined

the banker with much dignity.

"Yes, yes--somebody has dished up a canard for you. What, that

good-for-nothing scoundrel to be elected mayor! Never in his life! Hans

Shund mayor--really that is good now--ha, ha!"

"Mr. Sand, you lead me to suspect that you belong to the party of

Ultramontanes."

"Who--_I_ an Ultramontane? That is ridiculous! Sir, I am at the head of

the men of progress--I am the most liberal of the liberals--that, sir,

is placarded on every wall."

"How come you, then, to call Mr. Sand a good-for-nothing scoundrel?"

"Simply for this reason, because, he is a usurer and a dissipated

wretch."

"Then I am in the right, after all! Mr. Sand belongs to the ranks of

the _pious_," jeered the banker.

"Mr. Greifmann, you are insulting!"

"Nothing is further from my intention than to wound your feelings, my

dear Mr. Sand! Be cool and reasonable. Reflect, if you please. Shund,

you say, puts out money at thirty per cent. and higher, and therefore

he is a usurer. Is it not thus that you reason?"

"Why, yes! The scoundrel has brought many a poor devil to ruin by means

of his Jewish speculations!"

"Your pious indignation," commended the millionaire, "is praiseworthy,

because it is directed against what you mistake for a piece of

scoundrelism. Meanwhile, please to calm down your feelings, and let

your reason resume her seat of honor so that you may reflect upon my

words. You know that in consequence of recent legislation every

capitalist is free to put out money at what rate soever he pleases.

Were Shund to ask _fifty_ per cent., he would not be stepping outside

of the law. He would then be, as he now is, an honest man. Would he

not?"

"It is as you say, so far as the law is concerned!"

"Furthermore, if after prudently weighing, after wisely calculating,

the _pros_ and _cons_, Shund concludes to draw in his money, and in

consequence many a poor devil is ruined, as you say, surely no

reasonable man will on that account condemn legally authorized

speculation!"

"Don't talk to me of legally authorized speculation. The law must not

legalize scoundrelism; but whosoever by cunning usury brings such to

ruin is and ever will be a scoundrel."

"Why a scoundrel, Mr. Sand? Why, pray?"

"Surely it is clear enough--because he has ruined men!"

"Ruined! How? Evidently through means legally permitted. Therefore,

according to your notion the law _does_ legalize scoundrelism; at least

it allows free scope to scoundrels. Mr. Sand, no offence intended: I am

forced, however, once more to suspect that you do, perhaps without

knowing it, belong to the _pious_. For they think and feel just as you

do, that is, in accordance with so-called laws of morality, religious

views and principles. That, judged by such standards, Shund is a

scoundrel who hereafter will be burned eternally in hell, I do not

pretend to dispute."

"At bottom, I believe you are in the right, after all--yes, it is as

you say," conceded the leader reluctantly. "Ahem--and yet I am surprised

at your being in the right. I would rather, however that you were in

the right, because I really do not wish to blame anybody or judge him

by the standard of the Ultramontanes."

"That tone sounds genuinely progressive, and it does honor to

your judgment!" lauded the banker. "Again, you called Shund a

good-for-nothing scoundrel because he loves the company of women. Mr.

Sand, do you mean to vindicate the sacred nature of the sixth

commandment in an age that has emancipated itself from the thrall of

symbols and has liberated natural inclinations from the servitude of a

bigoted priesthood?--you, who profess to stand at the head and front of

the party of progress?"

"It is really odd--you are in the right again! Viewed from the

standpoint of the times, contemplated in the light of modern

intellectual culture, Shund must not really be called good-for-nothing

for being a usurer and an admirer of women.

"Shund's qualifications consequently fit him admirably for the office

of mayor. He will be economical, he will make the expenditures balance

with the revenue. Even in the legislature, Shund's principles and

experience will be of considerable service to the country and to the

cause of progress. I am so much in favor of the man that I shall award

you the building of my villa only on condition that you will use all

your influence for the election of Shund to the office of mayor and to

the legislature."

"Mayor--assemblyman, too--ahem! that will be hard to do."

"By no means! Messrs. Schwefel and Erdblatt will do their best for the

same end."

"Is that so, really? In that case there is no difficulty! Mr.

Greifmann, consider me the man that will build your villa."

"The canvass will cost you some money--here, take this, my contribution

to the noble cause," and he gave him a five-hundred-florin banknote.

"That will suffice, Mr. Greifmann, that will suffice. The plan you

cannot have until after the election, for Shund will give us enough to

do."

"Everything is possible to you, Mr. Sand! Whatever Caesar, Lepidus, and

Antony wish at Rome, that same must be."

"Very true, very true." And the last of the leaders disappeared.

"I would never have imagined the like to be possible," spoke the

landholder, entering. "They all regard Shund as a low, abandoned

wretch, and yet material interest determines every one of them to

espouse the cause of the unworthy, contemptible fellow. It is

extraordinary! It is monstrous!"

"You cannot deny that progress is eminently liberal," replied the

banker, laughing.

"Nor will I deny that it possesses neither uprightness nor conscience,

nor, especially, morals," rejoined the young man with seriousness.

Carl saw with astonishment Seraphin's crimsoned cheeks and flaming

eyes.

"My dear fellow, times and men must be taken as they are, not as they

should be," said the banker. "Interest controls both men and things. At

bottom, it has ever been thus. In the believing times of the middle

ages, men's interest lay in heaven. All their acts were done for

heaven; they considered no sacrifice as too costly. Thousands quit

their homes and families to have their skulls cloven by the Turks, or

to be broiled by the glowing heats of Palestine. For the interests of

heaven, thousands abandoned the world, fed on roots in deserts,

gave up all the pleasures of life. At present, the interest lies in

this world, in material possessions, in money. Do not therefore get

angry at progress if it refuses to starve itself or to be cut down by

Moorish scimitars, but, on the other hand, has strength of mind and

self-renunciation enough to promote Hans Shund to honors and offices."

Seraphin contemplated Greifmann, who smiled, and hardly knew how to

take him.

"An inborn longing for happiness has possession of all men," said he

with reserve. "The days of faith were ruled by moral influences; the

spirit of this age is ruled by base matter. Between the moral struggles

of the past strong in faith, and the base matter of the present, there

is, say what you will, a notable difference."

"Doubtless!" conceded Greifmann. "The middle ages were incontestably

the grandest epoch of history. I am actuated by the honest intention of

acquainting you with the active principles of the present."

"Yes, and you have been not immaterially aided by luck. But for the

order from Vienna for straw hats, the bills of exchange, and that

villa, you would hardly have attained your aim."

Greifmann smiled.

"The straw-hat story is merely a mystification, my dear friend. When

the end will have been reached, when Hans Shund will have been elected

mayor and assemblyman, a few lines will be sufficient to inform Mr.

Schwefel that the house in Vienna has countermanded its order. Nor is

any villa to be constructed. I shall pay Sand for his drawings, and

this will be the end of the project. The matter of the bills of

exchange is not a hoax, and I am still free to proceed against Erdblatt

in the manner required by the interests of my business."

Seraphin stood before the ingenuous banker, and looked at him aghast.

"It is true," said Greifmann gaily, "I have laid out fifteen hundred

florins, but I have done so against one hundred per cent.; for they are

to secure me victory in our wager."

"Your professional routine is truly admirable," said Gerlach.

"Not exactly that, but practical, and not at all sentimental, my

friend."

"I shall take a walk through the garden to get over my astonishment,"

concluded Gerlach; and he walked away from the astute man of money.

CHAPTER III.

SERAPHIN AND LOUISE.

Sombre spirits flitted about the head of the young man with the

blooming cheeks and light eyes. He was unable to rid himself of a

feeling of depression; for he had taken a step into the domain of

progress, and had there witnessed things which, like slimy reptiles,

drew a cold trail over his warm heart. Trained up on Christian

principles, schooled by enlightened professors of the faith, and

watched over with affectionate vigilance by a pious mother, Seraphin

had had no conception of the state of modern society. For this reason,

both Greifmann _Senior_ and Gerlach _Senior_ committed a blunder in

wishing to unite by marriage three millions of florins, the owners of

which not merely differed, but were the direct opposites of each other

in disposition and education.

Louise belonged to the class of emancipated females who have in vain

attempted to enhance the worth of noble womanhood by impressing on

their own sex the sterner type of the masculine gender. In Louise's

opinion, the beauty of woman does not consist in graceful gentleness,

amiable concession and purity, but in proudly overstepping the bounds

set for woman by the innate modesty of her sex. The beautiful young

lady had no idea of the repulsiveness of a woman who strives to make a

man of herself, but she was sure that the cause and origin of woman's

degradation is religion. For it was to Eve that God had said: "Thou

shalt be under thy husband's power, and he shall have dominion over

thee." Louise considered this decree as revolting, and she detested the

book whose authority among men gives effect to its meaning. On the

other hand, she failed to observe that woman's sway is powerful and

acknowledged wherever it exerts itself over weak man through affection

and grace. Quite as little did Miss Louise observe that men assume the

stature of giants so soon as women presume to appear in relation to

them strong and manlike. Least of all did she discover anything

gigantic in the kind-hearted Seraphin. In the consciousness of her

fancied superiority of education, she smiled at the simplicity of his

faith, and, as the handsome young gentleman appeared by no means an

ineligible _parti_, she believed it to be her special task to train her

prospective husband according to her own notions. She imagined this

course of training would prove an easy undertaking for a lady whose

charms had been uniformly triumphant over the hearts of gentlemen. But

one circumstance appeared to her unaccountable--that was Seraphin's

cold-bloodedness and unshaken independence. For eight days she had

plied her arts in vain, the most exquisite coquetry had been wasted to

no purpose, even the irresistible fire of her most lovely eyes had

produced no perceptible impression on the impregnable citadel of the

landholder's heart.

"He is a mere child as yet, the most spotless innocence," she would

muse hopefully. "He has been sheltered under a mother's wings like a

pullet, and for this I am beholden to Madame Gerlach, for she has

trained up an obedient husband for me."

Seraphin sauntered through the walks of the garden, absorbed in gloomy

reflections on the leaders of progress. Their utter disregard of honor

and unparalleled baseness were disgusting to him as an honorable man,

whilst their corruption and readiness for deeds of meanness were

offensive to him as a Christian. Regarding Greifmann, also, he

entertained misgivings. Upon closer examination, however, the

unsuspecting youth thought he discovered in the banker's manner of

treating the leaders and their principles a strong infusion of ridicule

and irony. Hence, imposed upon by his own good nature, he concluded

that Greifmann ought not in justice to be ranked among the hideous

monstrosities of progress.

With head sunk and rapt in thought, Gerlach strayed indefinitely amid

the flowers and shrubbery. All at once he stood before Louise. The

young lady was seated under a vine-covered arbor; in one hand she held

a book, but she had allowed both hand and book to sink with graceful

carelessness upon her lap. For some time back she had been observing

the thoughtful young man. She had been struck by his manly carriage and

vigorous step, and had come to the conclusion that his profusion of

curling auburn hair was the most becoming set-off to his handsome

countenance. She now welcomed the surprised youth with a smile so

winning, and with a play of eyes and features so exquisite, that

Seraphin, dazzled by the beauty of the apparition, felt constrained to

lower his eyes like a bashful girl. What probably contributed much to

this effect was the circumstance of his being at the time in a rather

vacant and cheerless state of mind, so that, coming suddenly into the

presence of this brilliant being, he experienced the power of the

contrast. She appeared to him indescribably beautiful, and he wondered

that this discovery had not forced itself upon him before.

Unfortunately, the young gentleman possessed but little of the

philosophy which will not suffer itself to be deceived by seductive

appearances, and refuses to recognize the beautiful anywhere but in its

agreement with the true and good.

Louise perceived in an instant that now was at hand the long-looked-for

fulfilment of her wishes. The certainty which she felt that the

conquest was achieved diffused a bewitching loveliness over her person.

Seraphin, on the other hand, stood leaning against the arbor, and

became conscious with fear and surprise of a turmoil in his soul that

he had never before experienced.

"I have been keeping myself quiet in this shady retreat," said she

sweetly, "not wishing to disturb your meditations. Carl's wager is a

strange one, but it is a peculiarity of my brother's occasionally to

manifest a relish for what is strange."

"You are right--strange, very strange!" replied Seraphin, evidently in

allusion to his actual state of mind. The beautiful young lady,

perceiving the allusion, became still more dazzling.

"I should regret very much that the wager were lost by a guest of ours,

and still more that you were deprived of your splendid race-horses. I

will prevail on Carl not to take advantage of his victory."

"Many thanks, miss; but I would much rather you would not do so. If I

lose the wager, honor and duty compel me to give up the stakes to the

winner. Moreover, in the event of my losing, there would be another

loss far more severe for me than the loss of my racers."

"What would that be?" inquired she with some amazement.

"The loss of my good opinion of men," answered he sadly. "What I have

heard, miss, is base and vile beyond description." And he recounted for

her in detail what had taken place.

"Such things are new to you, Mr. Seraphin; hence your astonishment and

indignation."

The youth felt his soul pierced because she uttered not a word of

disapproval against the villainy.

"Carl's object was good," continued she, "in so far as his man[oe]uvre

has procured you an insight into the principles by which the world is

just now ruled."

"I would be satisfied to lose the wager a thousand times, and even

more, did I know that the world is not under such rule."

"It is wrong to risk one's property for the sake of a delusion," said

she reprovingly. "And it would be a gross delusion not to estimate men

according to their real worth. A proprietor of fields and woodland,

who, faithful to his calling, leads an existence pure and in accord

with nature's laws, must not permit himself to be so far misled by the

harmlessness of his own career as to idealize the human species. For

were you at some future day to become more intimately acquainted with

city life and society, you would then find yourself forced to smile at

the views which you once held concerning the present."

"Smile at, my dear miss? Hardly. I should rather have to mourn the

destruction of my belief. Moreover, it is questionable whether I could

breathe in an atmosphere which is unhealthy and destructive of all the

genuine enjoyments of life!"

"And what do you look upon as the genuine enjoyments of life?" asked

she with evident curiosity.

He hesitated, and his childlike embarrassment appeared to her most

lovely.

"I beg your pardon, Mr. Seraphin! I have been indiscreet, for such a

question is allowable to those only who are on terms of intimacy." And

the beauty exhibited a masterly semblance of modesty and amiability.

The artifice proved successful, the young man's diffidence fled, and

his heart opened.

"You possess my utmost confidence, most esteemed Miss Greifmann!

Intercourse with good, or at least honorable, persons appears to me to

be the first condition for enjoying life. How could any one's existence

be cheerful in the society of people whose character is naught and

whose moral sense expired with the rejection of every religious

principle?"

"Yet perhaps it might, Mr. Seraphin!" rejoined she, with a smile of

imagined superiority. "Refinement, the polished manners of society, may

be substituted for the rigor of religious conviction."

"Polished manners without moral earnestness are mere hypocrisy,"

answered he decidedly. "A wolf, though enveloped in a thousand

lambskins, still retains his nature."

"How stern you are!" exclaimed she, laughing. "And what is the second

condition for the true enjoyment of life, Mr. Seraphin?"

"It is evidently the accord of moral consciousness with the behests of

a supreme authority; or to use the ordinary expression, a good

conscience," answered the millionaire earnestly.

A sneering expression spontaneously glided over her countenance. She

felt the hateful handwriting of her soul in her features, turned

crimson, and cast down her eyes in confusion. The young man had not

observed the expression of mockery, and could not account for her

confusion. He thought he had perhaps awkwardly wounded her

sensitiveness.

"I merely meant to express my private conviction," said Mr. Seraphin

apologetically.

"Which is grand and admirable," lauded she.

Her approbation pleased him, for his simplicity failed to detect the

concealed ridicule. After a walk outside of the city which Gerlach took

towards evening, in the company of the brother and sister, Carl

Greifmann made his appearance in Louise's apartment.

"You have at last succeeded in capturing him," began he with a chuckle

of satisfaction. "I was almost beginning to lose confidence in your

well-tried powers. This time you seemed unable to keep the field, to

the astonishment of all your acquaintances. They never knew you to be

baffled where the heart of a weak male was to be won."

"What are you talking about?"

"About the fat codfish of two million weight whom you have been

successful in angling."

"I do not understand you, most mysterious brother!"

"You do not understand me, and yet you blush like the skies before a

rainstorm! What means the vermilion of those cheeks, if you do not

understand?"

"I blush, first, on account of my limited understanding, which cannot

grasp your philosophy; and, secondly, because I am amazed at the

monstrous figures of your language."

"Then I shall have to speak without figures and similes upon a subject

which loses a great deal in the light of bare reality, which, I might

indeed say, loses all, dissolves into vapor, like will-o'-the-wisps and

cloud phantoms before the rising sun. I hardly know how to mention

the subject without figures, I can hardly handle it except with

poetic figures," exclaimed he gaily, seating himself in Louise's

rocking--chair, rocking himself. "Speaking in the commonest prose, my

remarks refer to the last victim immolated to your highness--to the

last brand kindled by the fire of your eyes. To talk quite broadly, I

mean the millionaire and landholder Seraphin Gerlach, who is head and

ears in love with you. Considered from a business and solid point of

view, it is exceedingly flattering for the banker's brother to see his

sister adored by so considerable a sum of money."

"Madman, you profane the noblest feelings of the heart," she chidingly

said, with a smile.

"I am a man of business, my dear child, and am acquainted with no

sanctuary but the exchange. Relations of a tender nature, noble

feelings of the heart, lying as they do without the domain of

speculation, are to me something incomprehensible and not at all

desirable. On the other hand, I entertain for two millions of money a

most prodigious sympathy, and a love that casts the flames of all your

heroes and heroines of romance into the shade. Meanwhile, my sweet

little sister, there are two aspects to everything. An alliance between

our house and two millions of florins claims admiration, 'tis true; yet

it is accompanied with difficulties which require serious reflection."

The banker actually ceased rocking and grew serious.

"Might I ask a solution of your enigma?"

"All jesting aside, Louise, this alliance is not altogether free from

risks," answered he. "Just consider the contrast between yourself and

Seraphin Gerlach's good nature is touching, and his credulous

simplicity is calculated to excite apprehension. Guided, imposed upon,

entirely bewitched by religious phantasms, he gropes about in the

darkness of superstition. You, on the contrary, sneer at what Seraphin

cherishes as holy, and despise such religious nonsense. Reflect now

upon the enormous contrast between yourself and the gentleman whom fate

and your father's shrewdness have selected for your husband. Honestly,

I am in dread. I am already beginning to dream of divorce and every

possible tale of scandal, which would not be precisely propitious for

our firm."

"What contradictions!" exclaimed the beauty with self-reliance. "You

just a moment ago announced my triumph over Seraphin, and now you

proclaim my defeat."

"Your defeat! Not at all! But I apprehend wrangling and discord in your

married life."

"Wrangling and discord because Seraphin loves me?"

"No--not exactly--but because he is a believer and you are an

unbeliever; in short, because he does not share your aims and views."

"How short-sighted you are! As you conceive of it, love is not a

passion; at most, only, a cool mood which cannot be modified by the

lovers themselves. Your apprehension would be well grounded concerning

that kind of love. But suppose love were something quite different?

Suppose it were a passion, a glowing, dazzling, omnipotent passion, and

that Seraphin really loved me, do you think that I would not skilfully

and prudently take advantage of this passion? Cannot a woman exert a

decisive and directing influence over the husband who loves her

tenderly? I have no fears because I do not view love with the eyes of a

trader. I hope and trust with the adjurations of love to expel from

Seraphin all superstitious spirits."

"How sly! Surely nothing can surpass a daughter of Eve in the matter of

seductive arts!" exclaimed he, laughing. "Hem--yes, indeed, after what

I have seen to-day, it is plain that the Adam Seraphin will taste of

the forbidden fruit of ripened knowledge, persuaded by this tenderly

beloved Eve. Look at him: there he wanders in the shade of the garden,

sighing to the rose-bushes, dreaming, of your majesty, and little

suspecting that he is threatened with conversion and redemption from

the kingdom of darkness."

CHAPTER IV.

HANS SHUND.

Hans Shund returned home from business in high feather. Something

unusual must have happened him, for his behavior was exceptional.

Standing before his desk, he mechanically drew various papers from his

pockets, and laid them in different drawers and pigeon-holes. The

mechanical manner of his behavior was what was exceptional, for usually

Hans Shund bestowed particular attention upon certain papers; his

soul's life was in those papers. Moreover, on the present occasion, he

kept shaking his head as if astonishment would not suffer him to remain

quiet. Yet habitually Hans Shund never shook his head, for that

proceeding betrays interior emotion, and Shund's neck was as hardened

and stiff as his usurer's soul. The other exceptional feature of his

behavior was a continuous growing, which at length waxed into a genuine

soliloquy. But Hans Shund was never known to talk to himself, for

talking to one's self indicates a kindly disposition, whilst Shund had

no disposition whatever, as they maintain who knew him; or, if he had

ever had one, it had smouldered into a hard, impenetrable crust of

slag.

"Strange--remarkably strange!" said he. "Hem! what can it mean? How am

I to account for it? Has the usurer undergone a transformation during

the night?" And a hideous grin distorted his face. "Am I metamorphosed,

am I enchanted, or am I myself an enchanter? Unaccountable, marvellous,

unheard of!"

The papers had been locked up in the desk. A secret power urged him up

and down the room, and finally into the adjoining sitting-room, where

Mrs. Shund, a pale, careworn lady, sat near a sewing-stand, intent on

her lonely occupation.

"Wife, queer things have befallen me. Only think, all the city notables

have raised their hats to your humble servant, and have saluted me in a

friendly, almost an obsequious manner. And this has happened to me

to-day--to me, the hated and despised usurer! Isn't that quite amazing?

Even the city regent, Schwefel's son, took off his hat, and bowed as if

I were some live grandee. How do you explain that prodigy?"

The careworn woman kept on sewing without raising her head.

"Why don't you answer me, wife? Don't you find that most astonishing?"

"I am incapable of being astonished, since grief and care have so

filled my heart that no room is left in it for feelings of any other

kind."

"Well, well! what is up again?" asked he, with curiosity.

She drew a letter written in a female hand from one of the drawers of

the sewing-stand.

"Read this, villain!"

Hastily snatching the letter, he began to read.

"Hem," growled he indifferently. "The drab complains of being

neglected, of not getting any money from me. That should not be a cause

of rage for you, I should think. The drab is brazen enough to write to

you to reveal my weaknesses, all with the amicable intention of getting

up a thundergust in our matrimonial heaven. Do learn sense, wife, and

stop noticing my secret enjoyments."

"Fie, villain. Fie upon you, shameless wretch!" cried she, trembling in

every limb.

"Listen to me, wife! Above all things, let us not have a scene, an

unnecessary row," interrupted he. "You know how fruitless are your

censures. Don't pester me with your stale lectures on morals."

"Nearly every month I get a letter of that sort written in the most

disreputable purlieus of the town, and addressed to my husband. It is

revolting! Am I to keep silent, shameless man--_I_ your wedded wife? Am

I to be silent in presence of such infamous deeds?"

"Rather too pathetic, wife! Save your breath. Don't grieve at the

liberties which I take. Try and accustom yourself to pay as little

attention to my conduct as I bestow upon yours. When years ago I

entered the contract with you vulgarly denominated marriage, I did it

with the understanding that I was uniting myself to a subject that was

willing to share with me a life free from restraints; I mean, a life

free from the odor of so-called hereditary moral considerations and of

religious restrictions. Accustom yourself to this view of the matter,

rise to my level, enjoy an emancipated existence."

He spoke and left the room. In his office he read the letter over.

"This creature is insatiable!" murmured he to himself. "I shall have to

turn her off and enter into less expensive connections. I am talking

with myself to-day--queer, very queer!"

A heavy knock was heard at the door.

"Come in!"

A man and woman scantily clad entered the room. The sight of the

wretched couple brought a fierce passion into the usurer's countenance.

He seemed suddenly transformed into a tiger, bloodthirstily crouching

to seize his prey.

"What is the matter. Holt?"

"Mr. Shund," began the man in a dejected tone, "the officer of the law

has served the writ upon us: it is to take effect in ten days."

"That is, unless you make payment," interrupted Shund.

"We are not able to pay just now, Mr. Shund, it is impossible. I wished

therefore to entreat you very earnestly to have patience with us poor

people."

The woman seconded her husband's petition by weeping bitterly, wringing

her hands piteously. The usurer shook his head relentlessly.

"Patience, patience, you say. For eight years I have been using

patience with you; my patience is exhausted now. There must be limits

to everything. There is a limit to patience also. I insist upon your

paying."

"Consider, Mr. Shund, I am the father of eight children. If you insist

on payment now and permit the law to take its course, you will ruin a

family of ten persons. Surely your conscience will not permit you to do

this?"

"Conscience! What do you mean? Do not trouble me with your nonsense.

For me, conscience means to have; for you, it means you must.

Therefore, pay."

"Mr. Shund, you know it is yourself that have reduced us to this

wretched condition!"

"You don't say I did! How so?"

"May I remind you, Mr. Shund, may I remind you of all the circumstances

by which this was brought about? How it happened that from a man of

means I have been brought to poverty?"

"Go on, dearest Holt--go on; it will be interesting to me!" The usurer

settled himself comfortably to hear the summary of his successful

villanies from the mouth of the unfortunate man with the same

satisfaction with which a tiger regales itself on the tortures of its

victim.

"Nine years ago, Mr. Shund, I was not in debt, as you know. I labored

and supported my family honestly, without any extraordinary exertion. A

field was for sale next to my field at the Rothenbush. You came at the

time--it is now upwards of eight years, and said in a friendly way,

'Holt, my good man, buy that field. It lies next to yours, and you

ought not to let the chance slip.' I wanted the field, but had no

money. This I told you. You encouraged me, saying, 'Holt, my good man,

I will let you have the money--on interest, of course; for I am a man

doing business, and I make my living off my money. I will never push

you for the amount. You may pay it whenever and in what way you wish.

Suit yourself.' You gave me this encouragement at the time. You loaned

me nine hundred and fifty florins--in the note, however, you wrote one

thousand and fifty, and, besides, at five per cent. For three years I

paid interest on one thousand and fifty, although you had loaned me

only nine hundred and fifty. All of a sudden--I was just in trouble at

the time, for one of my draught-cattle had been crippled, and the

harvest had turned out poorly, you came and demanded your money. I had

none. 'I am sorry,' said you, 'I need my money, and could put it out at

much higher interest.' I begged and begged. You threatened to sue me.

Finally, after much begging, you proposed that I should sell you the

field, for which three years previous I had paid nine hundred and fifty

florins, for seven hundred florins, alleging that land was no longer as

valuable as it had been. You were willing to rent me the field at a

high rate. And to enable me to get along, you offered to lend me

another thousand, but drew up a note for eleven hundred florins at ten

per cent., because, as you pretended, money was now bringing ten per

cent. since the law regulating interest had been abrogated. For a long

while I objected to the proposal, but found myself forced at last to

yield because you threatened to attach my effects. From this time I

began to go downhill, I could no longer meet expenses, my family was

large, and I had to work for you to pay up the interest and rent. But

for some time back I had been unable to do as I wished. I could not

even sell any of my own property; for you were holding me fast,

and I was obliged to mortgage everything to you for a merely nominal

price. My cottage, my barn, my garden, and the field in front of my

house--worth at least two thousand florins--I had to give you a

mortgage upon for one thousand. The rest of my immovable property,

fields and meadows, you took. Nothing was left to me but the little hut

and what adjoined it. With respects, Mr. Shund, you had long since

sucked the very marrow from my bones, next you put the rope about my

neck, and now you are about to hang me."

"Hang you? Ha--ha! That's good, Holt! You are in fine humor," cried the

usurer, after hearing with a relish the simple account of his atrocious

deeds. "I have no hankering for your neck. Pay up, Holt, pay up, that

is all I want. Pay me over the trifle of a thousand florins and the

interest, and the house with everything pertaining to it shall be

yours. But if you cannot pay up, it will have to be sold at auction, so

that I may get my money."

"For heaven's sake, Mr. Shund, be merciful," entreated the wife. "We

have saved up the interest with much trouble; every farthing of it you

are to receive. For God's sake, do not drive us from our home, Mr.

Shund, we will gladly toil for you day and night. Take pity, Mr. Shund,

do take pity on my poor children!"

"Stop your whining. Pay up, money alone has any value in my

estimation--pay, all the rest is fudge. Pay up!"

"God knows, Mr. Shund," sobbed the woman, wringing her hands, "I would

give my heart's blood to keep my poor children out of misery--with my

life I would be willing to pay you. Oh! do have some commiseration, do

be merciful! Almighty God will requite you for it."

"Almighty God, nonsense! Don't mention such stuff to me. Stupid palaver

like that might go down with some bigoted fool, but it will not affect

a man of enlightenment. Pay up, and there's an end of it!"

"Is it your determination then, Mr. Shund, to cast us out mercilessly

under the open sky?" inquired the countryman with deep earnestness.

"I only want what belongs to me. Pay over the thousand florins with the

interest, and we shall be quits. That's my position, you may go."

In feeling words the woman once more appealed to Hans Shund. He

remained indifferent to her pleading, and smiled scornfully whenever

she adduced religious considerations to support her petition. Suddenly

Holt took her by the arm and drew her towards the door.

"Say no more, wife, say no more, but come away. You could more easily

soften stones than a man who has no conscience and does not believe in

God."

"There you have spoken the truth," sneered Shund.

"You sneer, Mr. Shund," and the man's eyes glared. "Do you know to whom

you owe it that your head is not broken?"

"What sort of language is that?"

"It is the language of a father driven to despair. I tell you"--and the

countryman raised his clenched fists--"it is to the good God that you

are indebted for your life; for, if I believed as little in an almighty

and just God as you, with this pair of strong hands I would wring your

neck. Yes, stare at me! With these hands I would strangle Shund, who

has brought want upon my children and misery upon me. Come away, wife,

come away. He is resolved to reduce us to beggary as he has done to so

many others. Do your worst, Mr. Shund, but there above we shall have a

reckoning with each other."

He dragged his wife out of the room, and went away without saluting,

but casting a terrible scowl back upon Hans Shund.

For a long while the usurer sat thoughtfully, impressed by the ominous

scowl and threat, which were not empty ones, for rage and despair swept

like a rack over the man's countenance. Mr. Shund felt distinctly that

but for the God of Christians he would have been murdered by the

infuriated man. He discovered, moreover, that religious belief is to be

recommended as a safeguard against the fury of the mob. On the other

hand, he found this belief repugnant to a usurer's conscience and a

hindrance to the free enjoyment of life. Hans Shund thus sat making

reflections on religion, and endeavoring to drown the echo which Holt's

summons before the supreme tribunal had awakened in a secret recess of

his soul, when hasty steps resounded from the front yard and the door

was suddenly burst open. Hans' agent rushed in breathless, sank upon

the nearest chair, and, opening his mouth widely, gasped for breath.

"What is the matter, Braun?" inquired Shund in surprise. "What has

happened?"

Braun flung his arms about, rolled his eyes wildly, and labored to get

breath, like a person that is being smothered.

"Get your breath, you fool!" growled the usurer. "What business had you

running like a maniac? Something very extraordinary must be the matter,

is it not?"

Braun assented with violent nodding.

"Anything terrible?" asked he further.

More nodding from Braun. The usurer began to feel uneasy. Many a

nefarious deed stuck to his hands, but not one that had not been

committed with all possible caution and secured against any afterclaps

of the law. Yet might he not for once have been off his guard? "What

has been detected? Speak!" urged the conscience-stricken villain

anxiously.

"Mr. Shund, you are to be--in this place--"

"Arrested?" suggested the other, appalled, as the agent's breath failed

him again.

"No--mayor!"

Shund straightened himself, and raised his hands to feel his ears.

"I am surely in possession of my hearing! Are you gone mad, fellow?"

"Mr. Shund, you are to be mayor and member of the legislature. It is a

settled fact!"

"Indeed, 'tis quite a settled fact that you have lost your wits. It is

a pity, poor devil! You once were useful, now you are insane; quite a

loss for me! Where am I to get another bloodhound as good as you? Your

scent was keen, you drove many a nice bit of game into my nets. Hem--so

many instances of insanity in these enlightened times of ours are

really something peculiar. Braun, dearest Braun, have you really lost

your mind entirely? Completely deranged?"

"I am not insane, Mr. Shund. I have been assured from various sources

that you are to be elected mayor and delegate to the legislative

assembly."

"Well, then, various persons have been running a rig upon you."

"Running a rig upon me, Mr. Shund? Bamboozle me--me who understand and

have practised bamboozling others for so long?"

"Still, I maintain that people have been playing off a hoax on you--and

what an outrageous hoax it is, too!

"I believe a hoax? Just listen to me. I have never been more

clearheaded than I am to-day. Acquaintances and strangers in different

quarters of the town have assured me that it is a fixed fact that you

are to be mayor of this city and member of the legislative assembly.

Now, were it a hoax, would you not have to presuppose that both

acquaintances and strangers conspired to make a fool of me? Yet such a

supposition is most improbable."

"Your reasoning is correct, Braun. Still, such a conspiracy must really

have been gotten up. _I_ mayor of this city? _I_? Reflect for an

instant, Braun. You know what an enviable reputation I bear throughout

the city. Many persons would go a hundred paces out of their direction

to avoid me, specially they who owe or have owed me anything. Moreover,

who appoints the mayor? The men who give the keynote, the leaders of

the town. Now, these men would consider themselves defiled by the

slightest contact with the outlawed usurer--which, of course, is very

unjust and inconsistent on the part of those gentlemen--for my views

are the same as theirs."

"Spite of all that, I put faith in the report, Mr. Shund. Schwefel's

bookkeeper also, when I met him, smiled significantly, and even raised

his hat."

"Hold on, Braun, hold! The deuce--it just now occurs to me--you might

not be so much mistaken after all. Strange things have happened to me

also. Gentlemen who are intimate with our city magnates have saluted me

and nodded to me quite confidentially; I was unable to solve this

riddle, now it's clear. Braun, you are right, your information is

perfectly true." And Mr. Shund rubbed his hands.

"Don't forget, Mr. Shund, that I first brought you the astounding

intelligence, the joyful tidings, the information on which the very

best sort of speculations may be based."

"You shall be recompensed, Braun! Go over to the sign of the Bear, and

drink a bottle of the best, and I will pay for it."

"At a thaler a bottle?"

"That quality isn't good for the health, my dear fellow! You may drink

a bottle at forty-eight kreutzers on my credit. But no--I don't wish to

occasion you an injury, nor do I wish to see you disgraced. You shall

not acquire the name of a toper in my employ. You may therefore call

for a pint glass at twelve kreutzers a glass. Go, now, and leave me to

myself."

When the agent was gone, Hans Shund rushed about the room as if out of

his mind.

"Don't tell me that miracles no longer occur!" cried he. "_I_, the

discharged treasurer--_I_, the thief, usurer, and profligate, at the

mere sight of whom every young miss and respectable lady turn up their

noses a thousand paces off--_I_ am chosen to be mayor and assemblyman!

How has this come to pass? Where lie the secret springs of this

astonishing event?" And he laid his finger against his nose in a brown

study. "Here it is--yes, here! The thinkers of progress have at length

discovered that a man who from small beginnings has risen to an

independent fortune, whose shrewdness and energy have amassed enormous

sums, ought to be placed at the head of the city administration in

order to convert the tide of public debt into a tide of prosperity.

Yes, herein lies the secret. Nor are the gentlemen entirely mistaken.

There are ways and means of making plus out of minus, of converting

stones into money. But the gentlemen have taken the liberty of

disposing of me without my previous knowledge and consent. I have not

even been asked. Quite natural, of course. Who asks a dog for

permission to stroke him? This is, I own, an unpleasant aftertaste.

Hem, suppose I were too proud to accept, suppose I wanted to bestow my

abilities and energies on my own personal interests. Come, now, old

Hans, don't be sensitive! Pride, self-respect, character, sense of

honor, and such things are valuable only when they bring emolument.

Now, the mayor of a great city has it in his power to direct many a

measure eminently to his own interest."

Another knock was heard at the door, and the usurer, taken by surprise,

saw before him the leader Erdblatt.

"Have you been informed of a fact that is very flattering to you?"

began the tobacco manufacturer.

"Not the slightest intimation of a fact of that nature has reached me,"

answered Shund with reserve.

"Then I am very happy to be the first to give you the news," assured

Erdblatt. "It has been decided to promote you at the next election to

the office of mayor and of delegate to the legislative assembly."

A malignant smile flitted athwart Shund's face. He shook his sandy head

in feigned astonishment, and fixed upon the other a look that was the

next thing to a sneer.

"There are almost as many marvels in your announcement as words. You

speak of a decision and of a fact which, however, without my humble

co-operation, are hardly practicable. I thought all along that the

disposition of my person belonged to myself. How could anything be

resolved upon or become a fact in which I myself happen to have the

casting vote?"

"Your cordial correspondence with the flattering intention of your

fellow-citizens was presumed upon; moreover, you were to be agreeably

surprised," explained the progressionist leader.

"That, sir, was a very violent presumption! I am a free citizen, and am

at liberty to dispose of my time and faculties as I please. In the

capacity of mayor, I should find myself trammelled and no longer

independent on account of the office. Moreover, a weighty

responsibility would then rest upon my shoulders, especially in the

present deplorable circumstances of the administration. Could I prevail

on my myself to accept the proffered situation, it would become my duty

to attempt a thorough reform in the thoughtless and extravagant

management of city affairs. You certainly cannot fail to perceive that

a reformer in this department would be the aim of dangerous

machinations. And lastly, sir, why is it that I individually have been

selected for appointments which are universally regarded as honorable

distinctions in public life? I repeat, why are they to be conferred,

upon me in particular who cannot flatter myself with enjoying very high

favor among the people of this city?" And there glistened something

like revengeful triumph in Shund's feline, eyes. "When you will have

given a satisfactory solution to these reflections and questions, it

may become possible for me to think of assenting to your proposal."

Erdblatt had not anticipated a reception of this nature, and for a

moment he sat nonplussed.

"I ask your pardon, Mr. Shund, you have taken the words fact and

decision in too positive a sense. What is a decided fact is that the

leaders of progress assign the honorable positions mentioned to you. Of

course it rests with you to accept or decline them. The motive of our

decision was, if you will pardon my candor, your distinguished talent

for economizing. It is plain to us that a man of your abilities and

thorough knowledge of local circumstances could by prudent management

and, by eliminating unnecessary expenditure, do much towards relieving

the deplorable condition of the city budget. We thought, moreover, that

your well-known philanthropy would not refuse the sacrifices of

personal exertion and unremitting activity for the public good.

Finally, as regards the disrespect to which you have alluded, I assure

you I knew nothing of it. The stupid and mad rabble may perhaps have

cast stones at you, but can or will you hold respectable men

responsible for their deeds? Progress has ever proudly counted you in

its ranks. We have always found you living according to the principles

of progress, despising the impotent yelping of a religiously besotted

mob. Be pleased to consider the tendered honors as amends for the

insults of intolerant fanatics in this city."

"Your explanation, sir, is satisfactory. I shall accept. I am

particularly pleased to know that my conduct and principles are in

perfect accord with the spirit of progress. I am touched by the

flattering recognition of my greatly misconstrued position."

The leader bowed graciously.

"There now remains for me the pleasant duty," said he, "of requesting

you to honor with your presence a meeting of influential men who are to

assemble this evening in Mr. Schwefel's drawing-room. Particulars are

to be discussed there. The ultramontanes and democrats are turbulent

beyond all anticipation. We shall have to proceed with the greatest

caution about the delegate elections."

"I shall be there without fail, sir! Now that I have made up my mind to

devote my experience to the interests of city and state, I cheerfully

enter into every measure which it lies in my power to further."

"As you are out for the first time as candidate for the assembly," said

Erdblatt, "a declaration of your political creed addressed to a meeting

of the constituents would not fail of a good effect."

"Agreed, sir! I shall take pleasure in making known my views in a

public speech."

Erdblatt rose, and Mr. Hans Shund was condescending enough to reach the

mighty chieftain his hand as the latter took his leave.

CHAPTER V.

ELECTIONEERING.

The four millions of the balcony are at present standing before two

suits of male apparel of the kind worn by the working class,

contemplating them with an interest one would scarcely expect from

millionaires in materials of so ordinary a quality. Spread out on the

elegant and costly table cover are two blouses of striped gray at

fifteen kreutzers a yard. There are, besides, two pairs of trowsers of

a texture well adapted to the temperature of the month of July. There

are also two neckties, sold at fairs for six kreutzers apiece. And,

lastly, two cheap caps with long broad peaks. These suits were intended

to serve as disguises for Seraphin and Carl on this evening, for the

banker did not consider it becoming gentlemen to visit electioneering

meetings, dressed in a costume in which they might be recognized. As

Greifmann's face was familiar to every street-boy, he had provided

himself with a false beard of sandy hue to complete his _incognito_.

For Seraphin this last adjunct was unnecessary, for he was a stranger,

was thus left free to exhibit his innocent countenance unmasked for the

gratification of curious starers.

"This will be a pleasant change from the monotony of a banking house

existence," said the banker gleefully. "I enjoy this masquerade: it

enables me to mingle without constraint among the unconstrained. You

are going to see marvellous things to-night, friend Seraphin. If your

organs of hearing are not very sound, I advise you to provide yourself

with some cotton, so that the drums of your ears may not be endangered

from the noise of the election skirmish."

"Your caution is far from inspiring confidence," said Louise with some

humor. "I charge it upon your soul that you bring back Mr. Gerlach safe

and sound, for I too am responsible for our guest."

"And I, it seems, am less near to you than the guest, for you feel no

anxiety about me," said the brother archly.

"Eight o'clock--it is our time."

He pulled the bell. A servant carried off the suits to the gentlemen's

rooms.

"May I beseech the men in blouses for the honor of a visit before they

go?"

"You shall have an opportunity to admire us," said Carl. The

transformation of the young men was more rapidly effected than the

self-satisfied mustering of Louise before the large mirror which

reflected her elegant form entire. She laughingly welcomed her brother

in his sandy beard, and fixed a look of surprise upon Seraphin, whose

innocent person appeared to great advantage in the simple costume.

"Impossible to recognize you," decided the young lady. "You, brother

Redbeard, look for all the world like a cattle dealer."

"The gracious lady has hit it exactly," said the banker with an assumed

voice. "I am a horse jockey, bent on euchreing this young gentleman out

of a splendid pair of horses."

"Friend Seraphin is most lovely," said she in an undertone. "How well

the country costume becomes him!" And her sparkling eyes darted

expressive glances at the subject of her compliments.

For the first time she had called him friend, and the word friend made

him more happy than titles and honors that a prince might have

bestowed. He felt his soul kindle at the sight of the lovely being

whose delicate and bewitching coquetry the inexperienced youth failed

to detect, but the influence of which he was surely undergoing. His

cheeks glowed still more highly, and he became uneasy and embarrassed.

"Your indulgent criticism is encouraging, Miss Louise," replied he.

"I have merely told the truth," replied she.

"But our hands--what are we to do with our hands?" interposed Carl.

"Soft white hands like these do not belong to drovers. First of all,

away with diamonds and rubies. Gold rings and precious stones are not

in keeping with blouses. Nor will it do, in hot weather like this, to

bring gloves to our aid--that's too bad! What _are_ we to do?"

"Nobody will notice our hands," thought Seraphin.

"My good fellow, you do not understand the situation. We are on the eve

of the election. Everybody is out electioneering. Whoever to-day visits

a public place must expect to be hailed by a thousand eyes, stared at,

criticised, estimated, appraised, and weighed. The deuce take these

hands! Good advice would really be worth something in this instance."

"To a powerful imagination like your own," added Louise playfully. She

disappeared for a moment and then returned with a washbowl. Pouring the

contents of her inkstand into the water, she laughingly pointed them to

the dark mass.

"Dip your precious hands in here, and you will make them correspond

with your blouses in color and appearance."

"How ingenious she is!" cried Carl, following her direction.

"Most assuredly nothing comes up to the ingenuity of women. We are

beautifully tattooed, our hands are horrible! We must give the stuff

time to dry. Had I only thought of it sooner, Louise, you should have

accompanied us disguised as a drover's daughter, and have drunk a

bumper of wine with us. The adventure might have proved useful to you,

and served as an addition to the sum of your experiences in life."

"I will content myself with looking on from a distance," answered she

gaily. "The extraordinary progressionist movement that is going on

to-day might make it a difficult task even for a drover's daughter to

keep her footing."

The two millionaires sallied forth, Carl making tremendous strides.

Seraphin followed mechanically, the potent charm of her parting glances

hovering around him.

"We shall first steer for the sign of the 'Green Hat,'" said Greifmann.

"There you will hear a full orchestra of progressionist music,

especially trumpets and drums, playing flourishes on Hans Shund. 'The

Green Hat' is the largest beer cellar in the town, and the proprietor

ranks among the leaders next after housebuilder Sand. All the

representatives of the city _regime_ gather to-day at the establishment

of Mr. Belladonna--that's the name of the gentleman of the 'Green Hat.'

Besides the leaders, there will be upward of a thousand citizens, big

and small, to hold a preliminary celebration of election day. There

will also be 'wild men' on hand," proceeded Carl, explaining. "These

are citizens who in a manner float about like atoms in the bright

atmosphere of the times without being incorporated in any brilliant

body of progress. The main object of the leaders this evening is to

secure these so-called 'wild men' in favor of their ticket for the city

council. Glib-tongued agents will be employed to spread their nets to

catch the floating atoms--to tame these savages by means of smart

witticisms. When, at length, a prize is captured and the tide of

favorable votes runs high, it is towed into the safe haven of agreement

with the majority. Resistance would turn out a serious matter for a

mechanic, trader, shopkeeper, or any man whose position condemns him to

obtain his livelihood from others. Opposition to progress dooms every

man that is in a dependent condition to certain ruin. For these reasons

I have no misgivings about being able to convince you that elections

are a folly wherever the banner of progress waves triumphant."

"The conviction with which you threaten me would be anything but

gratifying, for I abhor every form of terrorism," rejoined Seraphin.

"Very well, my good fellow! But we must accustom ourselves to take

things as they are and not as they ought to be. Therefore, my youthful

Telemachus, you are under everlasting obligations to me, your

experienced Mentor, for procuring you an opportunity of becoming

acquainted with the world, and constraining you to think less well of

men than your generous heart would incline you to do."

They had reached the outskirts of the city. A distant roaring,

resembling the sound of shallow waters falling, struck upon the ears of

the maskers. The noise grew more distinct as they advanced, and finally

swelled into the brawling and hum of many voices. Passing through a

wide gate-way, the millionaires entered a square ornamented with

maple-trees. Under the trees, stretching away into the distance, were

long rows of tables lit up by gaslights, and densely crowded with men

drinking beer and talking noisily. The middle of the square was

occupied by a rotunda elevated on columns, with a zinc roof, and

bestuck in the barbarous taste of the age with a profusion of tin

figures and plaster-of-paris ornaments. Beneath the rotunda, around a

circular table, sat the leaders and chieftains of progress, conspicuous

to all, and with a flood of light from numerous large gas-burners

streaming upon them. Between Sand and Schwefel was throned Hans Shund,

extravagantly dressed, and proving by his manner that he was quite at

his ease. Nothing in his deportment indicated that he had so suddenly

risen from general contempt to universal homage. Mr. Shund frequently

monopolized the conversation, and, when this was the case, the company

listened to his sententious words with breathless attention and many

marks of approbation.

Mentor Greifmann conducted his ward to a retired corner, into which the

rays of light, intercepted by low branches, penetrated but faintly, and

from which a good view of the whole scene could be enjoyed.

"Do you observe Hans there under the baldachin surrounded by his

vassals?" rouned Carl into his companion's ear. "Even you will be made

to feel that progress can lay claim to a touching spirit of magnanimity

and forgiveness. It is disposed to raise the degraded from the dust.

The man who only yesterday was engaged in shoving a car, sweeping

streets, or even worse, to-day may preside over the great council,

provided only he has the luck to secure the good graces of the princes

of progress. Hans Shund, thief, usurer, and nightwalker, is a most

striking illustration of my assertion."

"What particularly disgusts and incenses me," replied the double

millionaire gravely, "is that, under the _regime_ of progress, they who

are degraded, immoral, and criminal, may rise to power without any

reformation of conduct and principles."

"What you say is so much philosophy, my dear fellow, and philosophy is

an antique, obsolete kind of thing that has no weight in times when

continents are being cut asunder and threads of iron laid around the

globe. Moreover, such has ever been the state of things. In the dark

ages, also, criminals attained to power. Just think of those bloody

monarchs who trifled with human heads, and whose ministers, for the

sake of a patch of territory, stirred up horrible wars. Compared with

such monsters, Hans Shund is spotless innocence."

"Quite right, sir," rejoined the landholder, with a smile. "Those

bloody kings and their satanic ministers were monsters--but only--and I

beg you to mark this well--only when judged by principles which modern

progress sneers at as stupid morality and senseless dogma. I even find

that those princely monsters and their conscienceless ministers shared

the species of enlightenment that prides itself on repudiating all

positive religion and moral obligations."

"Thunder and lightning, Seraphin! were not you sitting bodily before

me, I should believe I was actually listening to a Jesuit. But be

quiet! It will not do to attract notice. Ah! splendid. There you see

some of the 'wild men,'" continued he, pointing to a table opposite.

"The fellow with the bald head and fox's face is an agent, a salaried

bellwether, a polished electioneer. He has the 'wild men' already

half-tamed. Watch how cleverly he will decoy them into the

progressionist camp. Let us listen to what he has to say; it will amuse

you, and add to your knowledge of the developments of progress."

"We want men for the city council," spoke he of the bald head, "that

are accurately and thoroughly informed upon the condition and

circumstances of the city. Of what use would blockheads be but to fuss

and grope about blindly? What need have we of fellows whose stupidity

would compromise the public welfare? The men we want in our city

council must understand what measures the social, commercial, and

industrial interests of a city of thirty thousand inhabitants require

in order that the greatest good of the largest portion of the community

may be secured. Nor is this enough," proceeded he with increasing

enthusiasm. "Besides knowledge, experience, and judgment, they must

also be gifted with the necessary amount of energy to carry out

whatever orders the council has thought fit to pass. They must be

resolute enough to break down every obstacle that stands in the way of

the public good. Now, who are the men to render these services? None

but independent men who by their position need have no regard to others

placed above them--free-spirited and sensible men, who have a heart for

the people. Now, gentlemen, have you any objections to urge against my

views?"

"None, Mr. Spitzkopf! Your views are perfectly sound," lauded a

semi-barbarian. "We have read exactly what you have been telling us in

the evening paper."

"Of course, of course!" cried Mr. Spitzkopf. "My views are so evidently

correct that a thinking man cannot help stumbling upon them. None but

the slaves of priests, the wily brood of Jesuits, refuse to accept

these views," thundered the orator with the bald head. "And why do they

refuse to accept them? Because they are hostile to enlightenment,

opposed to the common good, opposed to the prosperity of mankind, in a

word, because they are the bitter enemies of progress. But take my word

for it, gentlemen, our city contains but a small number of these

creatures of darkness, and those few are spotted," emphasized he

threateningly. "Therefore, gentlemen," proceeded he insinuatingly, "I

am convinced, and every man of intelligence shares my conviction, that

Mr. Shund is eminently fitted for the city council--eminently! He would

be a splendid acquisition in behalf of the public interests! He

understands our local concerns thoroughly, possesses the experience of

many years, is conversant with business, knows what industrial pursuits

and social life require, and, what is better still, he maintains an

independent standing to which he unites a rare degree of activity. Were

it possible to prevail on Mr. Shund to take upon himself the cares of

the mayoralty, the deficit of the city treasury would soon be wiped

out. We would all have reason to consider ourselves fortunate in seeing

the interests of our city confided to such a man."

The "wild men" looked perplexed.

"Right enough, Mr. Spitzkopf," explained a timid coppersmith. "Shund is

a clever, well-informed man. Nobody denies this. But do you know that

it is a question whether, besides his clever head, he also possesses a

conscience in behalf of the commonwealth?"

"The most enlarged sort of a conscience, gentlemen--the warmest kind of

a heart!" exclaimed the bald man in a convincing tone. "Don't listen to

stories that circulate concerning Shund. There is not a word of truth

in them. They are sheer misconstructions--inventions of the priests and

of their helots."

"I beg your pardon, Mr. Spitzkopf, they are not all inventions,"

opposed the coppersmith. "In the street where I live, Shund keeps up a

certain connection that would not be proper for any decent person, not

to say for a married man."

"And does that scandalize you?" exclaimed the bald-headed agent

merrily. "Mr. Shund is a jovial fellow, he enjoys life, and is rich.

Mr. Shund will not permit religious rigorism to put restraints upon his

enjoyments. His liberal and independent spirit scorns to lead a

miserable existence under the rod of priestly bigotry. And, mark ye,

gentlemen, this is just what recommends him to all who are not

priest-ridden or leagued with the hirelings of Rome," concluded the

electioneer, casting a sharp look upon the coppersmith.

"But I am a Lutheran, Mr. Spitzkopf," protested the coppersmith.

"There are hypocrites among the Lutherans who are even worse than the

Romish Jesuits," retorted the man with the bald head. "Consider,

gentlemen, that the leading men of our city have, in consideration of

his abilities, concluded to place Mr. Shund in the position which he

ought to occupy. Are you going, on to-morrow, to vote against the

decision of the leading men? Are you actually going to make yourselves

guilty of such an absurdity? You may, of course, if you wish, for every

citizen is free to do as he pleases. But the men of influence are also

at liberty to do as they please. I will explain my meaning more fully.

You, gentlemen, are, all of you, mechanics--shoemakers, tailors,

blacksmiths, carpenters, etc. From whom do you get your living? Do you

get it from the handful of hypocrites and men of darkness? No; you get

your living from the liberals, for they are the moneyed men, the men of

power and authority. It is they who scatter money among the people. You

obtain employment, you get bread and meat, from the liberals. And now

to whom, do you think, will the liberals give employment? They will

give it to such as hold their views, and not--mark my word--to such as

are opposed to them. The man, therefore, that is prepared recklessly to

ruin his business has only to vote against Mr. Shund."

"That will do the business, that will fetch them," said Greifmann.

"Just look how dumfounded the poor savages appear!"

"It is brutal terrorism!" protested Seraphin indignantly.

"But don't misunderstand me. Mr. Spitzkopf! I am neither a hypocritical

devotee nor a Jesuit!" exclaimed the coppersmith deprecatingly. "If

Shund is good enough for them," pointing to the leaders under the

rotunda, "he is good enough for me."

"For me, too!" exclaimed a tailor.

"There isn't a worthier man than Shund," declared a shopkeeper.

"And not a cleverer," said a carpenter.

"And none more demoralized," lauded a joiner, unconscious of the import

of his encomium.

"That's so, and therefore I am satisfied with him," assured a

shoemaker.

"So am I--so am I," chorussed the others eagerly.

"That is sensible, gentlemen," approved the bald man. "Just keep in

harmony with liberalism and progress, and you will never be the worse

for it, gentlemen. Above all, beware of reaction--do not fall back into

the immoral morasses of the middle ages. Let us guard the light and

liberty of our beautiful age. Vote for these men," and he produced a

package of printed tickets, "and you will enjoy the delightful

consciousness of having disposed of your vote in the interests of the

common good."

Spitzkopf distributed the tickets on which were the names of the

councilmen elect. At the head of the list appeared in large characters

the name of Mr. Hans Shund.

"The curtain falls, the farce is ended," said Greifmann. "What you have

here heard and seen has been repeated at every table where 'wild men'

chanced to make their appearance. Everywhere the same arguments, the

same grounds of conviction."

Seraphin had become quite grave, and cast his eyes to the ground in

silence.

"By Jove, the rogue is going to try his hand on us!" said Carl, nudging

the thoughtful young man. "The bald-headed fellow has spied us, and is

getting ready to bag a couple of what he takes to be 'wild men.' Come,

let us be off."

They left the beer cellar and took the direction of the city.

"Now let us descend a little lower, to what I might call the amphibia

of society," said Greifmann. "We are going to visit a place where

masons, sawyers, cobblers, laborers, and other small fry are in the

habit of slaking their thirst. You will there find going on the same

sort of electioneering, or, as you call it, the same sort of terrorism,

only in a rougher style. There beer-jugs occasionally go flying about,

and bloody heads and rough-and-tumble, fights may be witnessed."

"I have no stomach for fisticuffs and whizzing beer-mugs," said

Gerlach.

"Never mind, come along. I have undertaken to initiate you into the

mysteries of elections, and you are to get a correct idea of the life

action of a cultivated state."

They entered an obscure alley where a fetid, sultry atmosphere assailed

them. Greifmann stopped before a lofty house, and pointed to a

transparency on which a brimming beer-tankard was represented. A wild

tumult was audible through the windows, through which the cry of

"Shund!" rose at times like the swell of a great wave from the midst of

corrupted waters. As they were passing the doorway a dense fog of

tobacco smoke mingled with divers filthy odors assailed their nostrils.

Seraphin, who was accustomed to inhaling the pure atmosphere of the

country, showed an inclination to retreat, and had already half-way

faced about when his companion seized and held him. "Courage, my

friend! wade into the slough boldly," cried he into the struggling

youth's ear. "Hereafter, when you will be riding through woodland and

meadows, the recollection of this subterranean den will enable you to

appreciate the pure atmosphere of the country twice as well. Look at

those sodden faces and swollen heads. Those fellows are literally

wallowing and seething in beer, and they feel as comfortable as ten

thousand cannibals. It is really a joy to be among men who are

natural."

The millionaires, having with no little difficulty succeeded in finding

seats, were accosted by a female waiter.

"Do the gentlemen wish to have election beer?"

"No," replied Gerlach.

His abrupt tone in declining excited the surprise of the fellows who

sat next to them. Several of them stared at the landholder.

"So you don't want any election beer?" cried a fellow who was pretty

well fired.

"Why not? May be it isn't good enough for you?"

"Oh, yes! oh, yes!" replied the banker hastily. "You see, Mr. Shund"--

"That's good! You call me Shund," interrupted the fellow with a coarse

laugh. "My name isn't Shund--my name is Koenig--yes, Koenig--with all

due respect to you."

"Well, Mr. Koenig--you see, Mr. Koenig, we decline drinking election

beer because we are not entitled to it--we do not belong to this

place."

"Ah, yes--well, that's honest!" lauded Koenig. "Being that you are a

couple of honest fellows, you must partake of some of the good things

of our feast. I say, Kate," cried he to the female waiter, "bring these

gentlemen some of the election sausages."

Greifmann, perceiving that Seraphin was about putting in a protest,

nudged him.

"What feast are you celebrating to-day?" inquired the banker.

"That I will explain to you. We are to have an election here to-morrow;

these men on the ticket, you see, are to be elected." And he drew forth

one of Spitzkopf's tickets. "Every one of us has received a ticket like

this, and we are all going to vote according to the ticket--of course,

you know, we don't do it for nothing. To-day and to-morrow, what we eat

and drink is free of charge. And if Satan's own grandmother were on the

ticket, I would vote for her."

"The first one on the list is Mr. Hans Shund. What sort of a man is

he?" asked Seraphin. "No doubt he is the most honorable and most

respectable man in the place!"

"Ha! ha! that's funny! The most honorable man in the place! Really you

make me laugh. Never mind, however, I don't mean to be impolite. You

are a stranger hereabout, and cannot, of course, be expected to know

anything of it. Shund, you see, was formerly--that, is a couple of days

ago--Shund was a man of whom nobody knew any good. For my part, I

wouldn't just like to be sticking in Shund's hide. Well, that's the way

things are: you know it won't do to babble it all just as it is. But

you understand me. To make a long story short, since day before

yesterday Shund is the honestest man in the world. Our men of money

have made him that, you know," giving a sly wink. "What the men of

money do, is well done, of course, for the proverb says, 'Whose bread I

eat, his song I sing.'"

"Shut your mouth, Koenig! What stuff is that you are talking there?"

said another fellow roughly. "Hans Shund is a free-spirited, clever,

first-class, distinguished man. Taken altogether, he is a liberal man.

For this reason he will be elected councilman to-morrow, then mayor of

the city, and finally member of the assembly."

"That's so, that's so, my partner is right," confirmed Koenig. "But

listen, Flachsen, you will agree that formerly--you know, formerly--he

was an arrant scoundrel."

"Why was he? Why?" inquired Flachsen.

"Why? Ha, ha! I say, Flachsen, go to Shund's wife, she can tell you

best. Go to those whom he has reduced to beggary, for instance, to Holt

over there. They all can tell you what Shund is, or rather what he has

been. But don't get mad, brother Flachsen! Spite of all that, I shall

vote for Shund. That's settled." And he poured the contents of his

beer-pot down his throat.

"As you gentlemen are strangers, I will undertake to explain this

business for you," said Flachsen, who evidently was an agent for the

lower classes, and who did his best to put on an appearance of learning

by affecting high-sounding words of foreign origin.

"Shund is quite a rational man, learned and full of intelligence. But

the priests have calumniated him horribly because he will not howl with

them. For this reason we intend to elect him, not for the sake of the

free beer. When Shund will have been elected, a system of economy will

be inaugurated, taxes will be removed, and the encyclical letter with

which the Pope has tried to stultify the people, together with the

syllabus, will be sent to the dogs. And in the legislative assembly the

liberal-minded Shund will manage to have the priests excluded from the

schools, and we will have none but secular schools. In short, the

dismal rule of the priesthood that would like to keep the people in

leading-strings will be put an end to, and liberal views will control

our affairs. As for Shund's doings outside of legitimate wedlock, that

is one of the boons of liberty--it is a right of humanity; and when

Koenig lets loose against Shund's money speculations, he is only

talking so much bigoted nonsense."

Flachsen's apologetic discourse was interrupted by a row that took

place at the next table. There sat a victim of Shund's usury, the

land-cultivator Holt. He drank no beer, but wine, to dispel gloomy

thoughts and the temptations of desperation. It had cost him no

ordinary struggle to listen quietly to eulogies passed on Shund. He had

maintained silence, and had at times smiled a very peculiar smile. His

bruised heart must have suffered a fearful contraction as he heard men

sounding the praises of a wretch whom he knew to be wicked and devoid

of conscience. For a long time he succeeded in restraining himself. But

the wine he had drunk at last fanned his smouldering passion into a hot

flame of rage, and, clenching his fist, he struck the table violently.

"The fellow whom you extol is a scoundrel!" cried he.

"Who is a scoundrel?" roared several voices.

"Your man, your councilman, your mayor, is a scoundrel! Shund is a

scoundrel!" cried the ruined countryman passionately.

"And you, Holt, are a fool!"

"You are drunk, Holt!"

"Holt is an ass," maintained Flachsen. "He cannot read, otherwise he

would have seen in the _Evening Gazette_ that Shund is a man of honor,

a friend of the people, a progressive man, a liberal man, a brilliant

genius, a despiser of religion, a death-dealer to superstition,

a--a--I don't remember what all besides. Had you read all that in the

evening paper, you fool, you wouldn't presume to open your foul mouth

against a man of honor like Hans Shund. Yes, stare; if you had read the

evening paper, you would have seen the enumeration of the great

qualities and deeds of Hans Shund in black and white."

"The evening paper, indeed!" cried Holt contemptuously. "Does the

evening paper also mention how Shund brought about the ruin of the

father of a family of eight children?"

"What's that you say, you dog?" yelled a furious fellow. "That's a lie

against Shund!"

"Easy, Graeulich, easy," replied Holt to the last speaker, who was

about to set upon him. "It is not a lie, for I am the man whom Shund

has strangled with his usurer's clutches. He has reduced me to

beggary--me and my wife and my children."

Graeulich lowered his fists, for Holt spoke so convincingly, and the

anguish in his face appealed so touchingly, that the man's fury was in

an instant changed to sympathy. Holt had stood up. He related at length

the wily and unscrupulous proceedings through which he had been brought

to ruin. The company listened to his story, many nodded in token of

sympathy, for everybody was acquainted with the ways of the hero of the

day.

"That's the way Shund has made a beggar of me," concluded Holt. "And I

am not the only one, you know it well. If, then, I call Shund a usurer,

a scoundrel, a villain, you cannot help agreeing with me."

Flachsen noticed with alarm that the feeling of the company was

becoming hostile to his cause. He approached the table, where he was

met by perplexed looks from his aids.

"Don't you perceive," cried he, "that Holt is a hireling of the

priests? Will you permit yourselves to be imposed upon by this salaried

slave? Hear me, you scapegrace, you rascal, you ass, listen to what I

have to tell you! Hans Shund is the lion of the day--the greatest man

of this century! Hans Shund is greater than Bismarck, sharper than

Napoleon. Out of nothing God made the universe: from nothing Hans Shund

has got to be a rich man. Shund has a mouthpiece that moves like a

mill-wheel on which entire streams fall. In the assembly Shund will

talk down all opposition. He will talk even better than that fellow

Voelk, over in Bavaria, who is merely a lawyer, but talks upon

everything, even things he knows nothing about. And do you, lousy

beggar, presume to malign a man of this kind? If you open that filthy

mouth of yours once more, I will stop it for you with paving-stones."

"Hold, Flachsen, hold! _I_ am not the man that is paid; you are the one

that is paid," retorted the countryman indignantly. "My mouth has not

been honey-fed like yours. Nor do I drink your election beer or eat

your election sausages. But with my last breath I will maintain that

Shund is a scoundrel, a usurer, a villain."

"Out with the fellow!" cried Flachsen. "He has insulted us all, for we

have all been drinking election beer. Out with the helot of the

priests!"

The progressionist mob fell upon the unhappy man, throttled him, beat

him, and drove him into the street.

"Let us leave this den of cutthroats," said Gerlach, rising.

Outside they found Holt leaning against a wall, wiping the blood from

his face. Seraphin approached him. "Are you badly hurt, my good man?"

asked he kindly. The wounded man, looking up, saw a noble countenance

before him, and, whilst he continued to gaze hard at Seraphin's fine

features, tears began to roll from his eyes.

"O God! O God!" sighed he, and then relapsed into silence. But in the

tone of his words could be noticed the terrible agony he was suffering.

"Is the wound deep--is it dangerous?" asked the young man.

"No, sir, no! The wound on my forehead is nothing--signifies nothing;

but in here," pointing to his breast--"in here are care, anxiety,

despair. I am thankful, sir, for your sympathy; it is soothing. But you

may go your way; the blows signify nothing."

CHAPTER V.

Gerlach whispered something to the banker. Holt pressed his

pocket-handkerchief to the wound.

"Please yourself!" said the banker loudly, in a business tone. Seraphin

again approached the beaten man.

"Will you please, my good man, to accompany us?"

"What for, sir?"

"Because I would like to do something towards healing up your wound; I

mean the wound in there."

Holt stood motionless before the stranger, and looked at him.

"I thank you, sir; there is no remedy for me; I am doomed!"

"Still, I will assist you. Follow me."

"Who are you, sir, if I may ask the question?"

"I am a man whom Providence seems to have chosen to rescue the prey

from the jaws of a usurer. Come along with us, and fear nothing."

"Very well, I will go in the name of God! I do not precisely know your

object, and you are a stranger to me. But your countenance looks

innocent and kind, therefore I will go with you."

They passed through alleys and streets.

"Do you often visit that tavern?" inquired Seraphin.

"Not six times in a year," answered Holt. "Sometimes of a Sunday I

drink half a glass of wine, that's all. I am poor, and have to be

saving. I would not have gone to the tavern to-day but that I wanted to

get rid of my feelings of misery."

"I overheard your story," rejoined Seraphin. "Shund's treatment of you

was inhuman. He behaved towards you like a trickish devil."

"That he did! And I am ruined together with my family," replied the

poor man dejectedly.

"Take my advice, and never abuse Shund. You know how respectable he has

suddenly got to be, how many influential friends he has. You can easily

perceive that one cannot say anything unfavorable of such a man without

great risk, no matter were it true ten times over."

"I am not given to disputing," replied Holt. "But it stirred the bile

within me to hear him extolled, and it broke out. Oh! I have learned to

suffer in silence. I haven't time to think of other matters. After God,

my business and my family were my only care. I attended to my

occupation faithfully and quietly as long as I had any to attend to,

but now I haven't any to take care of. O God! it is hard. It will bring

me to the grave."

"You are a land cultivator?"

"Yes, sir."

"Shund intends to have you sold out?"

"Yes; immediately after the election he intends to complete my ruin."

"How much money would you need in order with industry to get along?"

"A great deal of money, a great deal--at least a thousand florins. I

have given him a mortgage for a thousand florins on my house and what

was left to me. A thousand florins would suffice to help me out of

trouble. I might save my little cottage, my two cows, and a field. I

might then plough and sow for other people. I could get along and

subsist honestly. But as I told you, nothing less than a thousand

florins would do; and where am I to get so much money? You see there is

no hope for me, no help for me. I am doomed!"

"The mortgaged property is considerable," said Gerlach. "A house, even

though a small one, moreover, a field, a barn, a garden, all these

together are surely worth a much higher price. Could you not borrow a

thousand florins on it and pay off the usurer?"

"No, sir. Nobody would be willing to lend me that amount of money upon

property mortgaged to a man like Shund. Besides, my little property is

out of town, and who wants to go there? I, for my part, of course, like

no spot as much, for it is the house my father built, and I was born

and brought up there."

The man lapsed into silence, and walked at Seraphin's side like one

weighed down by a heavy load. The delicate sympathy of the young man

enabled him to guess what was passing in the breast of the man under

the load. He knew that Holt was recalling his childhood passed under

the paternal roof; that little spot of home was hallowed for him by

events connected with his mother, his father, his brothers and sisters,

or with other objects more trifling, which, however, remained fresh and

bright in memory, like balmy days of spring.

From this consecrated spot he was to be exiled, driven out with wife

and children, through the inhumanity and despicable cunning of an

usurer. The man heaved a deep sigh, and Gerlach, watching him sidewise,

noticed his lips were compressed, and that large tears rolled down his

weather-browned cheeks. The tender heart of the young man was deeply

affected at this sight, and the millionaire for once rejoiced in the

consciousness of possessing the might of money.

They halted before the Palais Greifmann. Holt noticed with surprise how

the man in blouse drew from his waistcoat pocket a small instrument

resembling a toothpick, and with it opened a door near the carriage

gate. Had not every shadow of suspicion been driven from Holt's mind by

Seraphin's appearance, he would surely have believed that he had fallen

into the company of burglars, who entrapped him to aid in breaking into

this palace.

Reluctantly, after repeated encouragement from Gerlach, he crossed the

threshold of the stately mansion. He had not quite passed the door when

he took off his cap, stared at the costly furniture of the hall through

which they were passing, and was reminded of St. Peter's thought as the

angel was rescuing him from the clutches of Herod. Holt imagined he saw

a vision. The man who had unlocked the door disappeared. Seraphin

entered an apartment followed by Shund's victim.

"Do you know where you are?" inquired the millionaire.

"Yes, sir, in the house of Mr. Greifmann the banker."

"And you are somewhat surprised, are you not?"

"I am so much astonished, sir, that I have several times pinched my

arms and legs, for it all seems to me like a dream."

Seraphin smiled and laid aside his cap. Holt scanned the noble features

of the young man more minutely, his handsome face, his stately bearing,

and concluded the man in the blouse must be some distinguished

gentleman.

"Take courage," said the noble looking young man in a kindly tone. "You

shall be assisted. I am convinced that you are an honest, industrious

man, brought to the verge of ruin through no fault of your own. Nor do

I blame you for inadvertently falling into the nets of the usurer, for

I believe your honest nature never suspected that there could exist so

fiendish a monster as the one that lives in the soul of an usurer."

"You may rely upon it, sir. If I had had the slightest suspicion of

such a thing, Shund never would have got me into his clutches."

"I am convinced of it. You are partially the victim of your own good

nature, and partially the prey of the wild beast Shund. Now listen to

me: Suppose somebody were to give you a thousand florins, and to say:

'Holt, take this money, 'tis yours. Be industrious, get along, be a

prudent housekeeper, serve God to the end of your days, and in future

beware of usurers'--suppose somebody were to address you in this way,

what would you do?"

"Supposing the case, sir, although it is not possible, but supposing

the case, what would I do? I would do precisely what that person would

have told me, and a great deal more. I would work day and night. Every

day, at evening prayer, I would get on my knees with my wife and

children, and invoke God's protection on that person. I would do that,

sir; but, as I said, the case is impossible."

"Nevertheless, suppose it did happen," explained Seraphin in a

preliminary way. "Give me your hand that you will fulfil the promise

you have just given."

For a moment Seraphin's hand lay in a callous, iron palm, which pressed

his soft fingers in an uncomfortable but well-meant grasp.

"Well, now follow me," said Gerlach.

He led the way; Holt followed with an unsteady step like a drunken man.

They presented themselves before the banker's counter. The latter was

standing behind the trellis of his desk, and on a table lay ten rolls

of money.

"You have just now by word and hand confirmed a promise," said Gerlach,

turning to the countryman, "which cannot be appreciated in money, for

that promise comprises almost all the duties of the father of a family.

But to make the fulfilment of the promise possible, a thousand florins

are needed. Here lies the money. Accept it from me as a gift, and be

happy."

Holt did not stir. He looked from the money at Gerlach, was motionless

and rigid, until, at last, the paralyzing surprise began to resolve

itself into a spasmodic quivering of the lips, and then into a mighty

flood of tears. Seizing Seraphin's hands, he kissed them with an

emotion that convulsed his whole being.

"That will do now," said the millionaire, "take the money, and go

home."

"My God! I cannot find utterance," said Holt, stammering forth the

words with difficulty. "Good heaven! is it possible? Is it true? I am

still thinking 'tis only a dream."

"Downright reality, my man!" said the banker. "Stop crying; save your

tears for a more fitting occasion. Put the rolls in your pocket, and go

home."

Greifmann's coldness was effective in sobering down the man intoxicated

with joy.

"May I ask, sir, what your name is, that I may at least know to whom I

owe my rescue?"

"Seraphin is my name."

"Your name sounds like an angel's, and you are an angel to me. I am not

acquainted with you, but God knows you, and he will requite you

according to your deeds."

Gerlach nodded gravely. The banker was impatient and murmured

discontentedly. Holt carefully pocketed the rolls of money, made an

inclination of gratitude to Gerlach, and went out. He passed slowly

through the hall. The porter opened the door. Holt stood still before

him.

"I ask your pardon, but do you know Mr. Seraphin?" asked he.

"Why shouldn't I know a gentleman that has been our guest for the last

two weeks?"

"You must pardon my presumption, Mr. Porter. Will Mr. Seraphin remain

here much longer?"

"He will remain another week for certain."

"I am very much obliged to you," said Holt, passing into the street and

hurrying away.

"Your intended has a queer way of applying his money," said the banker

to his sister the next morning. And he reported to her the story of

Seraphin's munificence. "I do not exactly like this sort of kindness,

for it oversteps all bounds, and undoubtedly results from religious

enthusiasm."

"That, too, can be cured," replied Louise confidently. "I will make him

understand that eternity restores nothing, that consequently it is

safer and more prudent to exact interest from the present."

"'Tis true, the situation of that fellow Holt was a pitiable one, and

Hans Shund's treatment of him was a masterpiece of speculation. He had

stripped the fellow completely. The stupid Holt had for years been

laboring for the cunning Shund, who continued drawing his meshes more

and more tightly about him. Like a huge spider, he leisurely sucked out

the life of the fly he had entrapped."

"Your hostler says there was light in Seraphin's room long after

midnight. I wonder what hindered him from sleeping?"

"That is not hard to divine. In all probability he was composing a

sentimental ditty to his much adored," answered Carl teasingly.

"Midnight is said to be a propitious time for occupations of that

sort."

"Do be quiet, you tease! But I too was thinking that he must have been

engaged in writing. May be he was making a memorandum of yesterday's

experience in his journal."

"May be he was. At all events, the impressions made on him were very

strong."

"But I do not like your venture; it may turn out disastrous,"

"How can it, my most learned sister?"

"You know Seraphin's position," explained she. "He has been reared in

the rigor of sectarian credulity. The spirit of modern civilization

being thus abruptly placed before his one-sided judgment without

previous preparation may alarm, nay, may even disgust him. And when

once he will have perceived that the brother is a partisan of the

horrible monster, is it probable that he will feel favorably disposed

towards the sister whose views harmonize with those of her brother?"

"I have done nothing to justify him in setting me down for a partisan.

I maintain strict neutrality. My purpose is to accustom the weakling to

the atmosphere of enlightenment which is fatal to all religious

phantasms. Have no fear of his growing cold towards you," proceeded he

in his customary tone of irony. "Your ever victorious power holds

him spell-bound in the magic circle of your enchantment. Besides,

Louise," continued he frowning, "I do not think I could tolerate a

brother-in-law steeped over head and ears in prejudices. You yourself

might find it highly uncomfortable to live with a husband of this

kind."

"Uncomfortable! No, I would not. I would find it exciting, for it would

become my task to train and cultivate an abnormal specimen of the male

gender."

"Very praiseworthy, sister! And if I now endeavor by means of living

illustrations to familiarize your intended with the nature of modern

intellectual enlightenment, I am merely preparing the way for your

future labors."