consequences. "We are telegraphing to the Emperor!" In front of the Post Office an accident befell Pastor Zillich, who had the weakest stomach. While the others endeavoured to ease his plight, Diederich rang the bell and handed in the telegram. When the postal official had read it, he looked hesitatingly at Diederich, but the latter glared so fiercely that he shrank back and did his duty. Meanwhile Diederich, without any reason, continued to glare and strike an attitude as if he were the Emperor when an aide-de-camp reported the heroic deed of the sentry, and the prime minister handed him the telegram of greeting. Diederich felt the helmet on his head, he tapped the sword at his side and said: "I am very powerful!" The telegraphist thought he was making some complaint and counted his change again. Diederich took the money, went up to a desk and scribbled some lines on a piece of paper. He put it in his pocket and returned to his companions.
They had called a cab for the Pastor, and he was just driving off, making tearful signs from the window as if it were a final farewell. Jadassohn turned round the corner into a side street near the theatre, although the major shouted after him that his home lay in a different direction. Soon the major disappeared also, and alone with Rothgroschen he reached Lutherstrasse. The editor refused to go any further when they reached the Valhalla Theatre. In the middle of the night he wanted to see "The Electric Marvel," a lady who was supposed to emit sparks. Diederich had to reason earnestly with him that this was not the hour for such frivolities. For the rest, Rothgroschen forgot all about the Electric Marvel as soon as he beheld the offices of the "Netzig Journal." "Stop!" he shouted. "Stop the presses! The telegram of the loyal citizens must be inserted. … You'll want to see it in the newspapers to-morrow morning," he remarked to a passing watchman. Then Diederich grasped him firmly by the arm.
