Lauer. It was old Herr Buck, the most honourable figure of Diederich's childhood, the great man of the town, and the personification of its civic virtues—the man who had been condemned to death. in Forty-Eight! In his own heart Diederich felt a revulsion against what he had begun. Besides, it was folly; it would take more than that to smash the old man. But if it ever came out who had started it, then Diederich would have to be prepared to see every one turn against him. … At all events, he had aimed a stroke and it had not missed. Now it was not only the family which was shaky and hung about the old man like a weight: the brother on the verge of bankruptcy, the son-in-law in jail, the daughter away on a trip with her lover, and of the two sons, one degraded to the level of a peasant, and the other suspect on account of his life and his opinions. Now he himself was beginning to shake, for the first time. Down with him so that Diederich might rise! Nevertheless, Diederich was frightened to the very marrow of his bones. He got up to inspect the ante-rooms. He ran, for the bell was ringing for the second act.
Wulckow appeared in the doorway. He came up, his paunchswinging from side to side, laid his black paw on the shoulder of Dr. Scheffelweis and said in stentorian tones: "Well, my little Mayor, all alone here? I suppose your town councillors have thrown you out?" Dr. Scheffelweis answered with a feeble laugh. But Diederich looked round anxiously at the door of the large room, which was still open. He went up in front of Wulckow, so that the latter could not be seen from the other room, and whispered something in his ear, with the result that the Governor turned away and adjusted his clothing. Then he said to Diederich: "'Pon my soul, you really are very serviceable, Doctor." Diederich felt flattered and smiled. "Your appreciation, Governor, makes me happy."
Wulckow graciously remarked: "No doubt there are a lot of other things you can tell me. We must talk things over together some time.'* He thrust forward his face, freckled
