nd our good town of Nuernberg; ask the Right Rev.
Bishop of Bamberg; ask them all what they think of Master Martin--and I
don't think you will hear much to his disadvantage."

With which Master Martin patted his fat corporation with much
complacent contentment, twinkled his half-closed eyes, and, as all were
silent, and only a half-suppressed throat-clearing, of a somewhat
dubious character, was audible here and there, he continued as follows:

"However, I perceive--in fact I am well aware--that I ought now to
return thanks, to the best of my ability, that it has pleased the Lord
at last to enlighten your minds to make this election. Certainly, when
I am paid for my work, or when my debtor returns me the sum he
borrowed, I always write at the bottom of the receipt, 'With thanks.
Tobias Martin, cooper in this town;' so I return you all my hearty
thanks that you have paid off an old debt by electing me your Syndic.
For the rest, I promise that I will perform the duties of my office
with all truth and faithfulness; that I shall ever be ready to stand by
the Guild, or any of its members, in word and deed, in time of need, to
the utmost of my power. It will be my heart's earnest desire to
maintain our Honourable Company in all the honour and dignity which it
possesses at present; and, dear friends and Masters, I invite you, one
and all, to dinner on Sunday next, when, over a good glass of
Hochheimer, Johannisberger, or whatever other good wine out of my
cellar you may prefer, we may consider and discuss what further may be
expedient for our common advantage. Once more, consider yourselves all
cordially invited."

The faces of the Honourable Society, which had darkened considerably at
Martin's arrogant words, now brightened again, and the gloomy silence
was succeeded by lively conversation, in which much was said concerning
the eminent merits of Master Martin, and of his celebrated cellar.
Every one promised to appear on the Sunday, and gave his hand to the
newly-elected Syndic, who shook them all cordially,--and he even
pressed one or two of the Masters just the least little bit against his
waistcoat, as if he half thought of embracing them.

The meeting dispersed in the best of humour, and the highest spirits.

WHAT HAPPENED AFTER THAT, IN MASTER MARTIN'S HOUSE.

It so chanced that Master Jacobus Paumgartner, on his way to his own
dwelling, had to pass the door of Master Martin's house; and when they,
togeth