witz had not
procured the co-operation of a Munich householder and taxpayer to bail him
out until the inquiry should be made. It would have been a serious matter
for Fischelowitz to lose the work of Dumnoff in his "celebrated
manufactory" for any length of time together, since it was all he could do
to meet the increasing demands for his wares with his present staff of
workers.

"And how did you spend the night, Count?" he inquired as they walked
quickly down the street together. Dumnoff had made off in the opposite
direction, in search of breakfast, after which he intended to go directly
to the shop, as though nothing had happened.

"I spent it very pleasantly, thank you," answered the Count. "The fact is
that, with such an interesting day before me, I should not have slept if I
had been at home. I have so much to think of, as you may imagine, and so
many preparations to make, that the time cannot seem long with me."

"I am glad of that," said Fischelowitz, serenely. "I suppose we shall not
see you to-day?"

"Hardly--hardly," replied the Count, as though considering whether his
engagements would allow him to look in at the shop. "You will certainly
see me this evening, at the latest," he added, as if he had suddenly
recollected something. "I have not forgotten that I am to hand you fifty
marks--I only regret that you should have lost the Gigerl, which, I think
I have heard you say, afforded you some amusement. However, the money
shall be in your hands without delay, or with as little delay as possible.
My friends will in all probability arrive by the mid-day train and will,
of course, come to me at once. An hour or so to talk over our affairs, and
I shall then have leisure to come to you for a few moments and to settle
that unfortunate affair. Not indeed, my dear Herr Fischelowitz, that I
have ever held myself responsible for the dishonest young man who wore
green spectacles. I was, indeed, a loser by him myself, in an
insignificant sum, and as he turned out to be such an indifferent
character, I do not mind acknowledging the fact. I do not think it can
harm him, if I do. No. I was not responsible for him to you, but since
your excellent wife, Frau Fischelowitz, labours under the impression that
I was, I am quite willing to accept the responsibility, and shall
therefore discharge the debt before night, as a matter of honour."

"It is very kind of you," remarked the tobacconist, smiling at the
impressive manner in