acticable! We have to proceed
cautiously and by degrees. Our policy lies in conducting the
unsophisticated masses from darkness into light, quite gradually, inch
by inch, and with the utmost caution. A sudden unveiling of the inmost
significance of the spirit of the age would scare the people, and drive
them back heels over head into the clerical camp."

"I do not at all share your apprehensions," contended the millionaire.
"Our people are further advanced than you think. Make the trial. Your
vast influence will easily manage to have Shund returned mayor and
delegate."

"Undoubtedly, but my standing would be jeopardized," rejoined Schwefel.

"That is a mistake, sir! You employ four hundred families."

"Four hundred and seventy now," said the manufacturer, correcting him
blandly.

"Four hundred and seventy families, therefore, are getting a living
through you, consequently you have four hundred and seventy voters at
your command. Add to these a considerable force of mechanics who earn
wages in your employ. You have, moreover, a number of warm friends who
also command a host of laborers and mechanics. Hence you risk neither
standing nor influence, that is," added he with a smile, "unless
perhaps you dread the anathemas of Ultramontanes and impostors."

"The pious wrath of believers has no terrors deserving notice,"
observed the leader with indifference.

"And yet all this time Shund's remarkable abilities have not been able
to win the slightest notice on the part of progressive men--it is
revolting!" cried the banker. "Mr. Schwefel, I will speak plainly,
trusting to your being discreet; I will recommend your factory at
Vienna, but only on condition that you have Hans Shund elected mayor
and member of the legislature."

"This is asking a great deal--quite flattering for Shund and very
tempting to me," said the leader with a bright face and a thrice
repeated nod to the banker. "Since, however, what you ask is neither
incompatible with the spirit of the times nor dishonorable to the sense
of a liberal man, I accept your offer, for it is no small advantage for
me from a business point of view."

"Capital, Mr. Schwefel! Capital, because very sensible!" spoke Carl
Greifmann approvingly. A short groan, resembling the violent bursting
forth of suppressed indignation, resounded from the adjoining
apartment. The banker shuffled on the floor and drowned the groan by
loudly rasping his throat.

"One condition, however, I