stopped and they gazed shuddering into each other's eyes. In order to banish the dreadful spectacle they raised their glasses. "The best of luck," said Jadassohn. "The same to you," replied Diederich. "To the very good health of your family." And Diederich answered, "I shall certainly convey the compliment to them at home."
Although his food was getting cold, Jadassohn launched into an elaborate eulogy of the Emperor's character. The Philistines, the fault-finders, and the Jews might pick holes in him as they liked, taking him all in all our glorious young Emperor is the most individual personality, charmingly impulsive and a highly original thinker. Diederich fancied that he had already established this fact and nodded contentedly. He said to himself that a person's outward appearance was sometimes deceptive, and that the length of one's ears did not determine one's loyal sentiments. They drained their glasses to the success of the struggle for throne and altar against revolution in every shape and form.
Then they got back to conditions in Netzig. They were both agreed that the new national spirit to which they must convert the town need have no other programme than the name of His Majesty. Political parties were so much rubbish, as His Majesty himself had said. "I know only two parties, those who are with me and those who are against me." Those were his words and they expressed the facts. Unfortunately in Netzig the party which was against him was still on top, but that would have to be changed, and it would be—of this Diederich was certain—by means of the Veterans' Association. Jadassohn, who was not a member, undertook nevertheless to introduce Diederich to the leading people. First and foremost there was Pastor Zillich, a member of Jadassohn's corps and a true-born German! They would call on him as soon as they had finished. They drank his health. Diederich also drank to his captain, the captain who, from being his stern superior, had become his best friend. "My term of military service is
