"But it must be a loyal one!" Diederich added. The Mayor made signs as if to pacify them. "Gentlemen!" he entreated, "gentlemen, if we must discuss the matter, then it is certainly right, with all due respect to the gentleman named, that we confess, on the other hand—"
"On the other hand!" repeated Jadassohn sternly.
"—the deepest regret for our unfortunately most unfavourable relations with the representatives of the State administration. It is right that I should ask you to remember that the unwonted harshness of Governor Von Wulckow towards the city authorities—"
"Towards disaffected organisations," interjected Jadassohn. Diederich ventured: "I am a thoroughly liberal man but I must say.…"
"A town," explained the Assessor, "which opposes the wishes of the government certainly cannot be surprised when the government turns a cold shoulder to it!"
"We could travel from Berlin to Netzig," Diederich declared, "in half the time if we were in better odour with the powers that be."
The Mayor allowed them to finish their duet. He was pale and his eyes were closed behind his pince-nez. Suddenly he looked at them with a wan smile.
"Gentlemen, do not worry. I know that opinions more in harmony with the spirit of the times prevail elsewhere. Pray, do not believe that it was my fault that no telegram of greeting was sent to His Majesty on the occasion of his last visit to the provinces during the manoeuvres last year.…"
"The refusal of the authorities was thoroughly un-German," Jadassohn declared emphatically.
"The national flag must be held aloft," Diederich insisted. The Mayor threw up his hands.
"I know it, gentlemen. But I am only the chairman of the board and must carry out its decisions, unfortunately. Change the conditions. Dr. Jadassohn remembers our row with the
