that Mahlmann had considerably increased Diederich's selfesteem. "A low dog," Diederich reflected. "But people are like that. …"
At home he found a registered letter.
"Now we can be off," said Hornung.
"How do you mean, we? I need my money for myself."
"You must be joking. I can't stay here alone."
"Then go and find some one else to keep you company!" Diederich burst into such a laugh that Hornung thought he was crazy. Thereupon he took his departure.
On the way he noticed for the first time that his mother had addressed the letter. That was unusual. … Since her last card, she said, his father had been much worse. Why had Diederich not come?
"We must be prepared for the worst. If you want to see your dearly-beloved father again, do not delay any longer, my son."
These expressions made Diederich feel uncomfortable. He assured himself that his mother was not trustworthy. "I never believe women anyhow, and mother is not quite right in her mind."
Nevertheless, Herr Hessling was breathing his last when Diederich arrived.
Overcome by the sight, Diederich immediately burst into a most undignified howl as he crossed the threshold. He stumbled to the bedside, and his face at that moment was as wet as if he had been washing it. He flapped his arms a number of times, like a bird beating his wings, and let them fall helplessly to his side. Suddenly he noticed his father's right hand on the coverlet, and knelt down and kissed it. Frau Hessling, silent and shrinking, even at the last breath of her master, did the same to his left hand. Diederich remembered how this black, misshapen finger-nail had hit his cheek, when his father boxed his ears, and he wept aloud. And the thrashings when he had stolen the buttons from the
