Part 40 (1/2)

After that, the lawyer delivered a somewhat longer and quite fervent speech, and I was obliged to beg Richard to keep quiet, for he whispered to me, ”All this so early in the morning, and without an audience of empty bottles!”

Funk extended his hand in silence and nodded significantly, as if he meant to say, ”You know already what I mean.”

Martella brought wine and gla.s.ses. It hurt me to feel that she was in the presence of Funk, who had, years ago, so maliciously dragged her name before the political meeting.

I had told Ludwig nothing of my rupture with Funk.

Funk inquired about several who had been their companions in revolution and who had emigrated. Of many, Ludwig could give no information, while of some he could give us good report, and of many others, sad news.

Ludwig disapproved of the emigration fever.

The turn that the conversation had taken did not seem to Funk's taste; but Ludwig was able to direct it as he desired, and, addressing himself more especially to the lawyer, he spoke of the intimate relations that existed between our country--South Germany in particular--and America.

Owing to their innate energy, and in spite of want, misery and ignorance of the language, the proportion who succeed in attaining wealth, position, and honors is much larger with the first generation of emigrants than with their children who are born in America.

Statistics had proven that, in spite of want and temptation, the first generation offered far fewer objects for the jails than did the second.

On the other hand, the former were more largely represented in the insane asylums.

Funk was evidently displeased, and emptied his gla.s.s at one draught.

Although he laughed, he seemed ill at ease when Schweitzer-Schmalz said, ”There you have it. I have always told you little folk may emigrate; but the right sort of a man,” he said, stroking his fat belly at the same time, ”knows where he is best off, and keeps at home.”

”I believe that you are also one of the deceived ones,” said Ludwig, supplementing his remarks. ”You cannot know, or, at all events, only know it superficially, that the projectors of new railroads attempt to help the price of their shares by encouraging emigration into the territory traversed by their road, and that many who get gratuities by them do not even know this.”

Funk suggested that a festive gathering of people from the village and surrounding country should take place on any Sunday that Ludwig might fix upon. The meeting was to be in honor of his arrival. At this time he was doubly welcome, for he would a.s.sist in dispelling the Prussian pestilence.

”I see you are still fond of set phrases,” replied Ludwig, and added: ”How strange it is since the congress of Vienna, all friends of the Fatherland have been clamoring for a man who, with firm hand and shrewd judgment, would, regardless of consequences, force Germany into unity; and now that he is with us, they hurl stones at him. And do you know, Professor, what it is that particularly pleases me in Bismarck?” he exclaimed roguishly.

”How should I know?”

”He has fortunately one of those rare names that can be p.r.o.nounced the same in all languages.”

”We had thought we should meet an old republican--an enemy of tyrants!”

exclaimed Funk.

”I have not changed in that respect,” answered Ludwig. ”The question whether a republic or a monarchy should be preferred, is about the same as if one were to ask which is better, meat or farinaceous food? All depends upon the manner in which the food is prepared, and upon the digestive powers of the stomach. But don't let us dispute now. I trust we shall have a chance yet to discuss these matters more calmly.”

”What day have you determined on?” inquired Funk.

Ludwig said that he desired no such compliment. He preferred to renew his acquaintance with the people and their circ.u.mstances in a quiet, un.o.btrusive manner.

The church bells began tolling, and Funk said: ”Perhaps you wish to go to church? You have probably grown religious, too?”

”Thanks for catechizing me,” said Ludwig.

”Ah, I forgot to address you as 'Colonel,'” said Funk.

”That makes no difference, although my rank is that of colonel. I was promoted at the front, and it is the greatest pride of my life that I did my duty in the war for wiping out slavery.”