nfortunate circumstances did not permit them to belong to each other
in their present plight. There would, of course, be enough scandal
even now, but the whole story was going to be lifted by this elopement
into a higher sphere; it would take on, so to speak, an appearance
vastly more interesting, less vulgar, nay, even aristocratic and
excusable,--an entirely different matter from the bald statement that
he, Borgert, had deserted for no other reason except a lot of bad
debts and unclean financial machinations.

For a moment, it is true, his better conscience spoke, reproaching him
with the intention of adding a new crime to his list of old ones; but
this warning resounded so weakly within him that it had not the
slightest effect. The principal thing, after all, was that he must not
let such an advantage escape him simply to save the feelings of
others. Such minor considerations could not be allowed to interfere
with his plans.

Borgert therefore briskly walked to town, and at the post-office,
where the telegraph bureau was located, he wired to a large
second-hand dealer in the neighboring city, telling him to pay him a
visit the following morning.

Then he returned home and stepped up to Leimann's.

He found his friend busy packing.

"Well, I hear you are to start to-morrow. I only learned it this
noon," said Borgert, shaking hands with him.

"Yes; I am not at all charmed with the prospect of this trip, for I
had made no arrangements for it; but you know how it is. It is always
only at the last moment we receive orders of that kind, often barely
leaving us time enough to reach the train."

"Nevertheless, I envy you your trip. As for me, there is a less
agreeable one awaiting me."

"What, you are also planning a journey?"

"It is not a matter of choice with me; I simply have to."

"And where are you going?"

"Home, starting to-morrow afternoon."

"Ah, I see. Well, I wish you luck."

"Thanks. By the way, could you lend me a trunk? I should like to take
a number of things with me home, and my own trunk is too small."

"Why, certainly; my servant will bring you down the large trunk. I
suppose that will answer your purpose?"

"Oh, of course; it will do very nicely. Thanks again."

Borgert could not help perceiving that his visit did not come quite
opportunely. Leimann was in an ugly humor and did not let himself be
interrupted in his occupation. He was so much engrossed with his own
thoughts that the im