ur master accommodates under his own roof one workman and his apprentice
Peter. The others, whom he cannot lodge, are allowed each one mark-banco
(fourteen pence) per week, to enable them to find a bed-chamber
elsewhere. They suffer a pecuniary loss by the arrangement. Hans sleeps
in a narrow box, built on the landing, into which no ray of heaven's
light had ever penetrated. His bedding is a very simple affair. He is
troubled with neither blankets nor sheets. An "under" and an "over" bed,
the latter rather lighter than the former, and both supposed to be of
feathers, form his bed and bedding. Hans is as well off as others, so he
does not complain. As for the apprentice, Peter, it was known that he
disappeared at a certain hour every evening; and from his appearance when
he turned out in the morning, Hans was under the impression that he
wildly shot himself into some deep and narrow hole, and slept the night
through on his head.

And how does Hans fare under his master's roof? Considering the
reminiscences of his apprenticeship, he relishes his cup of coffee in the
morning; his tiny round roll of white bread; the heavy black rye-loaf,
into which he is allowed to hew his way unchecked; and the beautiful
Holstein butter. Not being accustomed to better food, it is possible
that he enjoys the tasteless, fresh boiled beef, and the sodden baked
meat, with no atom of fat, which form the staple food at dinner. Whether
he can comprehend the soups which are sometimes placed before him,--now
made of shredded lemons, now of strained apples, and occasionally of
plain water, with a sprinkling of rice, is another matter; but the
sourkraut and bacon, the boiled beef and raisins, and the baked veal and
prunes, are certain to be looked upon by him as unusual luxuries.

The master presides at the table, and blesses the meat with the air of a
father of his people. Although workmen in Germany are little better than
old apprentices, this daily and familiar intercourse has the effect of
breaking down the formal barriers which in England effectually divide the
capitalist and the labourer. It creates a respectful familiarity, which
raises the workman without lowering the master. The manners of both are
thereby decidedly improved.

Hans gradually learns other trade customs. His comrade falls sick, and
is taken to the free hospital, a little way out of the city. This
hospital is clean and well kept, but fearfully crowded. The eld