was no reference to the Emperor."—"I took care not to!" interjected the defendant. Buck continued. "Should the imputation, however, be proven, then I will move that the publisher of the Almanach de Gotha be called as an expert witness to testify as to what German princes are of Jewish blood." Whereupon he sat down again, pleased at the sensational murmur which swept the court. "Monstrous!" said a formidable bass voice. Sprezius was on the point of breaking forth, but looked just in time to see who it was. Wulckow! It even aroused Kühlemann. The judges consulted together and the presiding judge announced that the motion of the counsel for the defence could not be admitted, as the truth of the libel was not the question before the court. The mere expression of disrespect was sufficient to establish the fact of guilt. Buckwas beaten, and his plump cheeks puckered like those of a sad child. People tittered and the Mayor's mother-in-law laughed outright. In his seat among the witnesses Diederich was grateful to her. Listening anxiously he felt that public opinion was veering round quietly to the side of those who were more clever and powerful. He exchanged glances with Jadassohn.
It was the turn of the editor, Rothgroschen. He suddenly appeared, a grey, inconspicuous figure, and began to function like a machine, like a commissioner for oaths. Every one who knew him was surprised. He had never seemed so sure of himself. He knew everything, made the gravest allegations against the accused, and spoke fluently, as if he were reciting a leading article. The only difference was that the judge gave him his cue at the end of every paragraph, with a word of encouragement, as if to a model pupil. Buck, who had recovered, raised the point against him that the "Netzig Journal" had championed Lauer. "Ours is a liberal and impartial paper," declared the editor. "We reflect public opinion. Since here and now opinion is unfavourable to the defendant—" He must have informed himself as to this outside in the corridor! Buck began in ironical tones: "I beg to draw attention to the
