iscussed me with
a freedom and a candor that showed they regarded me simply as a sort of
lay figure for the display of so much drapery.

"That's how they dress in the yard," cried one; "and we who have three
times the pay, can scarcely afford broadcloth. Will any one explain that
to me?"

"There must be rare perquisites down there," chimed in another; "for
they say that the old dwarf Hanserl has laid by two thousand gulden."

"They tell _me_ five thousand," said another.

"Two or twenty-two would make no difference. No fellow on his pay could
honestly do more than keep life in his body, not to speak of wearing
velvet like the younker there."

A short digression now intervened, one of the party having suggested
that in England velvet was the cheapest wear known, that all the
laborers on canals and railroads wore it from economy, and that,
in fact, it was the badge of a very humble condition. The assertion
encountered some disbelief, and it was ultimately suggested to refer the
matter to me for decision, this being the first evidence they had given
of their recognition of me as a sentient being.

"What would _he_ know?" broke in an elderly clerk; "he must have come
away from England a mere child, seeing how he speaks German now."

"Or if he did know, is it likely he'd tell?" observed another.

"At all events, let us ask him what it costs. I say, Knabe, come here
and let us see your fine clothes; we are all proud of having so grand a
colleague."

"You might show your pride, then, more suitably than by insulting him,"
said I, with perfect calm.

Had I discharged a loaded pistol in the midst of them, the dismay and
astonishment could not have been greater.

That any one "aus dem Hof"--"out of the yard"--should presume to think
he had feelings that could be outraged, seemed a degree of arrogance
beyond belief, and my word "insult" was repeated from mouth to mouth
with amazement.

"Come here, Knabe," said the cashier, in a voice of blended gentleness
and command,-- "come here, and let us talk to you."

I arose and made my way from the bow to the stern of the boat. Short as
the distance was, it gave me time to bethink me that I must repress
all anger or irritation if I desired to keep my secret; so that when I
reached my place, my mind was made up.

"Silk-velvet as I live!" said one who passed his hand along my sleeve as
I went.

"No one wishes to offend you, youngster," said the cashier to me, as he
placed