him. "Oh, really. You thought that, did you? I suppose you also thought it would be an honour for me to be mixed up in your scandal?"
"My scandal?" stuttered Diederich. "Yes, sir, yours!" thundered the major. "Herr Lauer may have said a hasty word; that can happen, even to old soldiers who have lost a limb in the service of their King. But you led Herr Lauer, with malice aforethought, into making a rash statement. I am ready to swear that in the witness-box. I know Lauer. He was with us in France and is a member of our Veterans' Association. You, sir, who are you? How do I know whether you were ever in the army? Produce your papers!"
Diederich's hand went at once to his pocket-book. He would have stood to attention, if the major had ordered him. The major held the discharge papers at arm's length in front of him. Then he threw them down with a grim laugh. "Ah! ha! Assigned to the Landsturm. I thought so. Flat feet, I suppose." Diederich was pale, and trembled at every word of the major's. He said, holding out a beseeching hand: "Major, I give you my word of honour that I have done my service. In consequence of an accident, which was entirely to my credit, I was demobilised after three months.…"
"We know those accidents. … How much did you pay?"
"Otherwise I would have stayed on permanently," added Diederich, in a whining tone. "I was absolutely devoted to the army. You can ask my superior officers."
"Evening." The major had put on his overcoat. "All I have to say to you, sir, is this: What the devil business is it of a slacker when other people commit lèse-majesté? His Majesty has no use for slackers. … Grützmacher," he said to the proprietor, "you should be more particular about your customers. Because of one too many Herr Lauer has been almost arrested, and I, with my stiff leg, must appear in court as a witness for the prosecution, and get myself into bad odour
