many apologies to the ladies, he took him aside and tremblingly whispered: "My dear Mr. Mayor, I am most anxious to avoid misunderstanding. I must repeat that I am a thoroughly liberal man."
Dr. Scheffelweis hastily assured him that he was no less certain of this than of his own sound Liberalism. Then he was called and Diederich somewhat relieved left the house. Jadassohn awaited him with a grin.
"I suppose you got frightened. Wait a bit! Nobody can ever compromise himself with the head of our city. Like God Almighty he is always on the side of the strongest battalions. To-day I just wanted to find out how far he had gone with von Wulckow. Things are not doing badly, we can move a step forward."
"Please do not forget," said Diederich reservedly, "that I am at home amongst the citizens of Netzig and I am naturally also a liberal."
Jadassohn gave him a sidelong glance. "A Neo-Teuton?" he asked. Diederich turned to him in astonishment, as he added: "How is my old friend Wiebel?"
"Do you know him? He was my fag."
"Do I know him? I arranged a duel with him."
Diederich seized the hand which Jadassohn held out to him and they shook warmly. That settled the matter and arm in arm they went down to the Ratskeller to dine.
The place was empty and dimly lighted. The gas was turned on for them at the end of the room, and while they were waiting for the soup they discovered mutual college friends. Fatty Delitzsch! As an eye-witness Diederich gave a circumstantial account of his tragic end. They drank the first glass of Rauenthal to his memory. It turned out that Jadassohn had also been through the February riots, and, like Diederich, he had learned to respect power. "His Majesty," said the Assessor, "showed such courage as would take your breath away. Several times I thought, by God—" He
