which his two companions had attained in the course of the day.
"My brother-in-law Heuteufel," he cried, banging the table, "may preach as much as he likes about our being descended from monkeys. I shall get back my congregation inspite of him."
"Not only yours," Diederich assured him.
"Yes, there are too many churches in Netzig," the Pastor admitted. "Too few, man of God, too few," said Jadassohn sharply. He called Diederich to witness how things had developed in Berlin. There also the churches were standing empty until His Majesty intervened. He had issued a command to the city authorities: "See to it that churches are built in Berlin." Then they were built, religion became fashionable again, they got customers. The Pastor, the publican, Jadassohn and Diederich all grew enthusiastic over the profound piety of the monarch. Then a loud report was heard.
"Some one Has fired a shot!" Jadassohn jumped up first and they all turned pale as they looked at one another. Like a flash of lightning Diederich saw in his mind's eye the bony face of Napoleon Fischer, the machinist with the black beard through which his grey skin was visible. "The revolution! it has started!" he stammered. Outside was the patter of running feet, and suddenly they all seized their hats and ran out.
The people who had collected were standing in a frightened semicircle, from the corner of the military depot to the steps of the Masonic Hall. On the other side, where the circle was open, some one was lying face downwards in the middle of the street. The soldier, who had previously been marching up and down so gaily, was now standing motionless in the sentry box. His helmet was a little on one side and he was visibly pale. With his mouth wide open he was staring at the fallen figure, while he held his rifle by the barrel and let it drag along the ground. There was a muffled murmur
