posing punch, and that they should order in
the kettle for the tea-drinkers.

The other gentlemen preserved a dignified silence, looked with
solemnity at the preparations going forward, and each felt his
responsibility and his importance as a man and a clerk.

The next question was, "How shall we vote?"

It was decided that the youngest should begin.

Specht was the youngest. "First of all, I have to remark that Herr von
Fink is not present," said he, looking around in some excitement.

A general murmur arose, "He does not belong to us; he is a volunteer."

"In that case," continued Specht, somewhat taken down by this universal
opposition, "I am of opinion that Anton ought, according to custom, to
remain an apprentice for four years; but, as he is a good fellow, and
likely to prove useful, I am also of opinion that an exception should be
made in his favor; while I propose that, in order to remind him of his
former position, he be appointed to make tea for us during a year, and
to mend a hundred pens for each of his colleagues."

"Stuff and nonsense!" muttered Pix; "you have always such overstrained
notions."

"What do you mean by overstrained notions?" inquired Specht, angrily.

"I must call you to order," said Mr. Jordan.

The rest of the colleagues proceeded to give in their adherence to the
plan. Baumann did so with enthusiasm. At last it came to the turn of
Pix. "Gentlemen," said he, "what is the use of much talking? His
knowledge of business is fair, considering that he is but a young
fellow; his manner is pleasant--the servants respect him. According to
my notions, he is too tender and considerate; but it is not given to all
to manage others. He is a poor hand at cards, and can make little or
nothing of punch--that's about what he is. But, as these last
peculiarities have nothing to do with the present proposal, I see no
reason why he should not, from the present date, become our colleague."

Then came Purzel and Liebold, who each gave his vote in his own
characteristic way, and the affair was settled. Baumann was about to
rush off and call Anton, when Specht insisted upon the solemnity of a
deputation, and Liebold and Pix were appointed to escort the astonished
youth, who could not conceive what it all meant, till Jordan, advancing
to meet him, said, with the utmost cordiality, "Dear Wohlfart, you have
now worked with us two years; you have taken pains to learn the
business, and have won the friendshi