mselves with
sausages which omitted an unmistakable odor of garlic, and were of a
very dubious appearance; interrupting the process of eating with
frequent and copious draughts from their beer-mugs.

"Drink, old woman!" cried Graeulich to his wife. "Drink, I tell you! It
doesn't cost us anything to-day."

The woman put the jug to her lips and drained it manfully. Other women
who were present screamed in chorus, and the men laughed boisterously.

"Your old woman does that handsomely," applauded Koth. "Hell and
thunder! But she must be a real spitfire."

Again they laughed uproariously.

"I wish there were an election every day, what a jolly life this would
be!" said Koenig. "Nothing to do, eating and drinking gratis--what more
would you wish?"

"That's the way the bigbugs live all the year round. They may eat and
drink what they like best, and needn't do a hand's turn. Isn't it
glorious to be rich?" cried Graeulich.

"So drink, boys, drink till you can't stand! We are all of us big-bugs
to-day."

"And if things were regulated as they should be," said Koth, "there
would come a day when we poor devils would also see glorious times. We
have been torturing ourselves about long enough for the sake of others.
I maintain that things will have to be differently regulated."

"What game is that you are wishing to come at? Show your hand, old
fellow!" cried several voices.

"Here's what I mean: Coffers which are full will have to pour some of
their superfluity into coffers which are empty. You take me, don't
you?"

"'Pon my soul, I can't make you out. You are talking conundrums,"
declared Koenig.

"You blockhead, I mean there will soon have to be a partition. They who
have plenty will have to give some to those who have nothing."

"Bravo! Long live Koth!"

"That sort of doctrine is dangerous to the state," said Flachsen. "Such
principles bring about revolutions, and corrupt society."

"What of society! You're an ass, Flachsen! Koth is right--partition,
partition!" was the cry all round the table.

"As you will! I have nothing against it if only it were practicable,"
expostulated Flachsen; "for I, too, am a radical."

"It is practicable! All things are practicable," exclaimed Koth. "Our
age can do anything, and so can we. Haven't we driven religion out of
the schools? Haven't we elected Shund for mayor? It is the majority who
rule; and, were we to vote in favor of partition to-morrow, partition
would have to t