The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries Volume Xii Part 42

I acknowledge that I have bought it merely as accredited agent of a third person. Here is the deed; it contains no secrets. [_Hands him a paper_.]

OLDENDORF (_looking through it, to_ BOLZ).

It is drawn up by a notary in due form--sold for thirty thousand thalers. [_Agitation among the staff-members_.] Let me get to the bottom of the matter. Is this change of owner also to be connected with a change in the political att.i.tude of the sheet?

SENDEN (_coming forward_).

Certainly, Professor, that was the intention in making the purchase.

OLDENDORF.

Do I possibly see in you the new owner?

SENDEN.

Not that, but I have the honor to be a friend of his. You yourself, as well as these gentlemen, have a right to demand the fulfilment of your contracts. Your contracts provide, I understand, for six months'

notice. It goes without saying that you continue to draw your salary until the expiration of this term.

BOLZ (_rising_).

You are very kind, Mr. von Senden. Our contracts empower us to edit the paper as we see fit, and to control its tone and its party affiliations. For the next half-year, therefore, we shall not only continue to draw our salaries but also to conduct the paper for the benefit of the party to which you have not the honor to belong.

SENDEN (_angrily_).

We'll find a way to prevent that!

OLDENDORF.

Calm yourself. That kind of work would scarcely be worthy of us. If such are the circ.u.mstances, I announce that I resign the editors.h.i.+p from today, and release you from all obligations to me.

BOLZ.

I don't mind. I make the same announcement.

BELLMAUS.

KaMPE}(_together_). We too!

KoRNER}

SENDEN (_to_ SCHWARZ).

You can testify that the gentlemen voluntarily renounce their rights.

BOLZ (_to the staff_).

Hold on, gentlemen, don't be too generous. It is all right for you to take no further part in editing the paper if your friends withdraw.

But why abandon your pecuniary claims on the new owner?

BELLMAUS.

I'd rather take nothing at all from them; I'll follow your example.

BOLZ (_stroking him_).

n.o.ble sentiment, my son! We'll make our way in the world together.

What do you think of a hand-organ, Bellmaus! We 'll take it to fairs and sing your songs through. I'll turn and you'll sing.

OLDENDORF.

Since the new owner of the paper is not one of you, you will, in concluding this transaction, find the question only natural--To whom have we ceded our rights?

SENDEN.

The present owner of the paper is--

_Enter_ COLONEL _through side door on the left_.

OLDENDORF (_starting back in alarm_).

Colonel!

BOLZ.

Ah, now it is becoming high tragedy!

COLONEL.

First of all, Professor, be a.s.sured that I have nothing to do with this whole affair, and merely come at the request of the purchaser.

Not until I came here, did I know anything of what was going on. I hope you will take my word for that.

BOLZ.

Well, I find this game unseemly, and I insist on being told who this new owner is who mysteriously hides behind different persons!

_Enter_ ADELAIDE _from the side door, left._

ADELAIDE.

He stands before you!

BOLZ.

I should just like to faint.

BELLMAUS.

That is a heavenly joke!