to call a sofa, looking like a sagacious elderly ape who
despises the race of men, and bites his keeper when he can. He listened
with critical interest to his pupil's narrative, and shook his head or
smiled, according as he dissented or approved.

When Veitel had done, Hippus cried, "Ehrenthal is a simpleton. He is up
to nothing great; he is always trying half-measures. If he goes on thus,
the baron will throw him overboard yet."

"What more can he do?" asked Veitel.

"He must give him anxieties--the anxieties of business, extensive
business, ceaseless activity, daily cares--that's what the baron could
not stand. That class is accustomed to little work and much enjoyment.
Every thing is made easy to them from their childhood. There are few of
them who may not be ruined by having some great care always boring at
their brains. If Ehrenthal wishes to have the baron in his power, he
must entangle him in business."

So said the advocate, and Veitel understood him, and looked with a
mixture of respect and aversion at the ugly little imp gesticulating
before him. At last Hippus took out the brandy bottle, and cried, "An
extra glass to-day. What I have just told you, you young gallows-bird,
is worth more than a bottle of brandy."

CHAPTER XIII.

"I am eighteen years old to-day," said Karl to his father, who was
sitting at home one Sunday morning, never weary of contemplating the
handsome youth.

"So you are," replied the father; "there are eighteen tapers round the
cake."

"Therefore, father," Karl went on, "it is time that I should turn to,
something, and make some money. I will be a porter."

"Make some money!" repeated old Sturm, looking at his son in amazement.
"Do I not make as much, and more than we want? Why, you are going to
turn a miser!"

"I can't always hang to your apron," said Karl; "and if you were to earn
a thousand dollars, would that make an active, useful man of me? Or, if
I were to lose you, what would become of me?"

"You will lose me, boy," said the giant, nodding, "in a few years,
perhaps, and then you may become what you like, so it be not a porter."

"But why should I not be what you are? Do not be unreasonable."

"You know nothing about the matter. Do not be covetous; I can not bear
covetous people."

"But, father, if I am not to be a porter, I must learn _something_,"
cried Karl.

"Learn!" exclaimed his father; "how much learning have you not had
stuffed into your little hea