never! We are now loving
brethren; very likely we shall both ere long set to work to turn out
the great Nuernberg 'masterpiece'--the two-fudder cask, without
firing--each on his own account. But heaven forfend that I should be
able to trace in myself the faintest tinge of envy, if yours, dear
brother Reinhold, should be a better one than mine."

"Ha, ha, ha!" laughed Reinhold. "What does your 'masterpiece' signify?
You will soon make _that_, I have no doubt, to the admiration of all
competent coopers; and let me tell you that, as far as concerns the
measurements, the proportions, curves, etc., you have found in me your
man; moreover, you can trust me as to the choice of the timber, staves
of red oak, felled in the winter, free from worm-holes, red or white
stripes, or blaze-marks--that is what we will seek out. You can trust
my eye; I will give you the best possible advice about everything, and
my own 'masterpiece' will be none the worse for that."

"But, heaven help us," cried Friedrich, "why should we talk about
'masterpieces,' and which of us is going to succeed there? Is that what
we are going to contend for? The real 'masterpiece' is winning Rosa;
how are we to set about that? My head reels at it."

"Well, brother," cried Reinhold, still laughing; "really we were not
saying anything about Rosa at that moment; you are a dreamer. Come
along, let us get to the town, at all events."

Friedrich rose, and walked along, perplexed in mind. As they were
washing and brushing themselves in the inn, Reinhold said:

"For my part, I don't know in the least what master I am going to work
with. I don't know a creature in the place, so I was thinking that
perhaps you would take me with you to Master Martin's, dear brother;
perhaps he would give me work."

"You take a weight from my heart," answered Friedrich; "for if you are
with me I shall find it easier to overcome my anxiety and my
uneasiness."

So they set out together stoutly for the house of the renowned cooper,
Master Martin.

It happened to be the very Sunday on which Master Martin was giving his
great official dinner in honour of his appointment, and it was exactly
dinner-time. Thus, when Reinhold and Friedrich crossed Master Martin's
threshold, they became aware of a ringing of wine-glasses, and the
confused buzz of a merry dinner-company.

"Ah!" said Friedrich, despondingly; "I fear we have come at an
unfortunate time."

"I think just the contrary," said Re