ere somewhat sweetened by the thought
that, after all, he was not in any way indebted to Prince Cagliari. But
he owed him more than he suspected. As he was turning to go, the
government official detained him a moment longer.

"I hope," said he, as if by way of a casual remark, "that your own
exemption from service is a matter of no uncertainty."

"My own exemption!" repeated Manasseh, in amazement. It had not once
occurred to him that he, a former government councillor, might be
drafted into the army. But he controlled his indignation at what seemed
an ill-timed jest, and added, calmly: "At any rate, I cannot be charged
with having forfeited my rights as a miner by taking up arms in 1848."

"That remains to be seen," was the cool reply. Then, after some search
among his papers, the official produced a document from which he read as
follows: "'Mr. Manasseh Adorjan is alleged, on unquestionable authority,
to have participated in the fight at St. George and Toroczko. In fact,
he with his own hands took General Diurbanu prisoner and bound him with
a rope to his horse. Only the animal's impatience of control saved the
rider and secured him his freedom.'"

After listening to this astounding accusation against him, Manasseh
recognised that he was far more deeply in Cagliari's debt than he had
supposed.

* * * * *

"I have accomplished my mission in brilliant style," was his report when
he reached home. "Not only my workmen are drafted, but I also along with
them."

The women were struck with consternation, but Aaron burst out laughing.

"Oh, you poor innocent!" he cried, "how can you be a soldier with one
shoulder six inches higher than the other?"

"What, am I really so misshapen as that?" asked Manasseh, in surprise.

"To be sure, or at least you can make yourself so for the nonce. Don't
you remember how our neighbour Methuselah's grandson went limping about
with one leg longer than the other, when the recruiting officer was
here?"

"Methuselah's grandson may do that kind of thing," answered Manasseh,
"but not an Adorjan. I can't practise any deceit of that sort."

"Deceit!" cried Aaron; "we are deceiving no one--only the government."

"And is the government no one?" asked his brother.

"Well, it's all right to outwit the Austrians," muttered Aaron.

"I don't agree with you," was all Manasseh could say. "If I am ordered
to march I shall obey. My poor lads are obliged to exchang