m in good humor, from
time to time addressing a few jokes to the imbecile, who received them
with a flattered grin. When the table had been cleared off and the
dishes washed, he drew a pack of cards from his pocket and proposed a
game. The weaver was disposed to forbid it, but finally gave in, on
condition that the game should only be for love. Finkenbein burst out
laughing.

"Of course, Herr Sauberle. What else could it be for? I was born to
millions, but they were all swallowed up in the Huerlin stock--excuse
me, Mr. Manufacturer!"

They began to play, then, and for awhile the game went along merrily,
broken only by numerous jokes from Finkenbein and by an attempt at
cheating on the sailmaker's part, discovered and exposed by the same
clever person. But then the sailmaker began to feel his oats, and
displayed a tendency to make mysterious allusions to the adventure at
the "Star." At first Huerlin paid no attention; then he made angry signs
to stop him. The sailmaker laughed maliciously, looking at Finkenbein.
Huerlin looked up, caught the disagreeable laugh and wink, and suddenly
realized that Heller had been the original cause of his ejection and
was now making merry at his expense. This struck him to the heart. He
made a sour grimace, threw his cards on the table in the middle of a
hand, and could not be persuaded to continue the game. Heller saw what
was the trouble; he discreetly said nothing, and redoubled his
endeavors to place himself on a friendly footing with Finkenbein.

Thus the fat was in the fire again between the two old antagonists; and
the discord was all the worse because Huerlin was now convinced that
Finkenbein had known of the plot and helped it along. The latter bore
himself with unchanged geniality and comradeship; but since Huerlin now
always suspected him, and took in bad part his jesting designations as
"the Councillor," "Herr von Huerlin," and the like, the Sun-Brotherhood
soon split into two parties. The manufacturer had soon grown accustomed
to the silly Holdria as a roommate and had made him his friend.

From time to time Finkenbein, who from some hidden source or other had
now and then a little money in his pocket, proposed another secret
excursion to the tavern. But Huerlin, strong as the temptation was for
him, kept a stiff front and never went with them, although it hurt him
to think that Heller was thus getting the better of him. Instead, he
stayed at home with Holdria, who listen