Part 13 (1/2)

Come here a moment, will you, and just glance discreetly over these papers. Do you notice anything? (Brachtmann _shrugs his shoulders_.) I mean among the newspapers.

Brachtmann (_in a low voice, much agitated_).

The devil!--That was what I wanted to speak to you about. (_He points to one of the papers_.)

Prince.

Ah--they've sent you one too?

Brachtmann.

In the same wrapper, addressed in the same hand. An hour ago, just as I left the house. I suppose they haven't had time to look at the last post here.

Prince.

(_Taking up the paper and looking at the wrapper_.) Do you know, I've half a mind----

Brachtmann.

No, no, Prince--can't be done.

Prince.

I know it can't, my dear Baron. That's the very reason.--Don't our political opponents say that property is theft? Why not reverse the axiom, and----

von Berkelwitz.

What the deuce----?

Prince.

Why, instead of putting our hands into other people's pockets, we might put other people's property into ours.

Brachtmann.

Prince, we all know your way----

von Berkelwitz.

If your Highness has made yourself sufficiently witty at our expense, perhaps you'll explain what this is? (_Pointing to the paper_.)

Prince.

This, my dear Herr von Berkelwitz, is a copy of the ”Lengenfeld News,”

the Socialist organ----

von Berkelwitz.

Faugh! How can you touch it?