erything
is advancing. To-day the grain is growing in the field--

Windrank. And to-morrow it's made into wine. I wonder who first found
out how it's done?

German. Beg your pardon, but that's a German invention. I call it
invention, because you discover Americky.

Windrank. And the Germans never make any discoveries?

German. 'Sdeath!

Windrank. Now, now! You're no German, you said.

Dane (to the German). Can you tell the who invented the story that the
Swedes got their present king from the Germans? (General laughter.)

German. It was we of Luebeck what gave Sweden a liberator when she was on
the verge of ruin.

Windrank. Here's to the King!

Dane. Here's to Luebeck!

German (flattered). Really I don't know how to--

Windrank. Why, you aren't the King!

German. Beg your pardon, but it was my Danish brother's--

Dane. How can you be of Luebeck when you are a citizen of Stockholm?

Windrank (to the Man from Smaland). Why won't our silent brother drink
at all?

Man from Smaland. I'll drink your corn-juice, but when it comes to the
King's health, I do like this! (He crushes the tin cup and throws it on
the floor.)

Windrank (groping with one hand for his sheath knife.) You won't drink
the King's health?

Man from Smaland. I've been drinking the cup he offered me so long that
I don't care to drink his health any longer.

Windrank. 'Sblood!

German (eagerly). Hush, hush! Let's hear what he's got to say.

Dane (in the same way). Mercy, yes!

A Man from Smaland. The Lord help me when I get home again!

Windrank (sentimentally). What is it, my dear man? Why do you look so
sad? Do you need money? Look here, now! (He pulls out his purse.) I've
half my wages left. What's the matter with you?

Man from Smaland. Don't let us talk about it. More gin! Gin here! I've
money, too. Do you see? Gold! (The liquor is served). It isn't mine, but
I'll spend it on drink to the last farthing, and you'll please help me.

Windrank. And yet it isn't your money--how can you do that?

German. Who's wronged you, my dear fellow? I can see that you have fared
badly.

A Man from Smaland I am ruined! You see, I got two hundred oxen on
trust, and when I came to Stockholm the King's agent took charge of
the whole business, and he said I couldn't sell them for more than he
allowed. It's the King that fixes the price on oxen--it's the King that
has ruined me.

German. You don't say!

Man from Smaland. Oh, I know a lot mo