and for this reason
are supposed to be guided by our judgment. As you are aware, this
country has a goodly number of straw-hat manufactories. I would feel
inclined, however, as far as it may be in my power, to give your
establishment the advantage of our recommendation, and would therefore
like to get from you a written list of fixed prices of all the various
sorts."

"I am, indeed, under many obligations to you, Mr. Greifmann, for your
kind consideration," said the manufacturer, nodding repeatedly. "Your
own experience can testify to the durability of my work, and I shall
give the most favorable rates possible."

"No doubt," rejoined the banker with haughty reserve. "You must not
forget that the straw-hat business is out of our line. It is incumbent
on us, however, to oblige a friendly house. I shall therefore make a
similar proposal to two other large manufactories, and, after
consulting with men of experience in this branch, shall give the house
in Vienna the advice we consider most to its interest, that is, shall
recommend the establishment most worthy of recommendation."

Mr. Schwefel's excited countenance became somewhat lengthy.

"You should not fail of an acceptable acknowledgment from me, were you
to do me the favor of recommending my goods," explained the
manufacturer.

The banker's coldness was not in the slightest degree altered by the
implied bribe. He appeared not even to have noticed it. "It is also my
desire to be able to recommend you," said he curtly, carelessly taking
up a package of the banknotes and playing with ten thousand florins as
if they were so many valueless scraps of paper. "Well, we are on the
eve of the election," remarked he ingenuously. "Have you fixed upon a
magistrate and mayor?"

"All in order, thank you, Mr. Greifmann!"

"And are you quite sure of the order?"

"Yes; for we are well organized, Mr. Greifmann. If it interests you, I
will consider it as an honor to be allowed to send you a list of the
candidates."

"I hope you have not passed over ex-treasurer Shund?"

This question took Mr. Schwefel by surprise, and a peculiar smile
played on his features.

"The world is and ever will be ungrateful," continued the banker, as
though he did not notice the astonishment of the manufacturer. "I could
hardly think of an abler and more sterling character for the office of
mayor of the city than Mr. Shund. Our corporation is considerably in
debt. Mr. Shund is known to be an acc