e shoes of your present leaders, preachers
and prophets, when you have conquered, and your followers demand to see
the results of your victory. How little they will then be able to
fulfill of the promises they have made to-day."

"So it is your opinion that there is nothing to be done for us, and
that we ought calmly to be left in want, and slavery, and ignorance?"
Hessel asked angrily.

"I think," returned Wilhelm, "that it is the bounden duty of every man
to love his neighbor, and help him where and when he can."

"Oh yes," said Hessel with a sneer, "that is the standpoint of the
Church--the standpoint of the Middle Ages. You would give us alms. No,
thank you, we accept no presents. We demand our rights, not charity."

Wilhelm thought to himself that he had not always found the Socialists
so proud, but kept the thought to himself, not wishing to hurt Hessel's
feelings, who seemed to be an honest fanatic.

"Do not let that be your last word," Hessel went on. "You are probably
but slightly acquainted with our doctrines and writings. Come nearer to
us. Come to our meetings--talk to our workmen. You will find that many
of us have very clear heads, and know exactly what we want, although
the majority do still cling a good deal to phrases. You will assuredly
soon begin to interest yourself in the emancipation of the proletariat.
And what a future to look forward to! You might be another Lassalle,
famous powerful, adored by thousands, received as a savior wherever you
show yourself--make a triumphal progress through all Germany, perhaps
through the world. And over and above, the consciousness of having
rendered such mighty service to your fellow-men."

Wilhelm rose.

"I seem to myself to be playing a rather ridiculous part in this
scene," he said; "it is a parody of the Gospel story of the Temptation.
Unfortunately, I have not the smallest particle of ambition, and have
no desire to be either famous or mighty, or to make triumphal
progresses. If I could really do anything for you, believe me, I would
do it gladly. But I assure you I possess neither the philosopher's
stone, nor a prescription for a universal panacea. I do not believe
either that the remedies they recommend so highly to you are very
effectual, so I am much obliged to you for your confidence in me, and
beg you to leave me in my obscurity."

Hessel gave him a dark look, stood up, turned slowly away, and left him
without one word, or even offering him hi