by the
flattering recognition of my greatly misconstrued position."

The leader bowed graciously.

"There now remains for me the pleasant duty," said he, "of requesting
you to honor with your presence a meeting of influential men who are to
assemble this evening in Mr. Schwefel's drawing-room. Particulars are
to be discussed there. The ultramontanes and democrats are turbulent
beyond all anticipation. We shall have to proceed with the greatest
caution about the delegate elections."

"I shall be there without fail, sir! Now that I have made up my mind to
devote my experience to the interests of city and state, I cheerfully
enter into every measure which it lies in my power to further."

"As you are out for the first time as candidate for the assembly," said
Erdblatt, "a declaration of your political creed addressed to a meeting
of the constituents would not fail of a good effect."

"Agreed, sir! I shall take pleasure in making known my views in a
public speech."

Erdblatt rose, and Mr. Hans Shund was condescending enough to reach the
mighty chieftain his hand as the latter took his leave.

CHAPTER V.

ELECTIONEERING.

The four millions of the balcony are at present standing before two
suits of male apparel of the kind worn by the working class,
contemplating them with an interest one would scarcely expect from
millionaires in materials of so ordinary a quality. Spread out on the
elegant and costly table cover are two blouses of striped gray at
fifteen kreutzers a yard. There are, besides, two pairs of trowsers of
a texture well adapted to the temperature of the month of July. There
are also two neckties, sold at fairs for six kreutzers apiece. And,
lastly, two cheap caps with long broad peaks. These suits were intended
to serve as disguises for Seraphin and Carl on this evening, for the
banker did not consider it becoming gentlemen to visit electioneering
meetings, dressed in a costume in which they might be recognized. As
Greifmann's face was familiar to every street-boy, he had provided
himself with a false beard of sandy hue to complete his _incognito_.
For Seraphin this last adjunct was unnecessary, for he was a stranger,
was thus left free to exhibit his innocent countenance unmasked for the
gratification of curious starers.

"This will be a pleasant change from the monotony of a banking house
existence," said the banker gleefully. "I en