nion_.

OLDENDORF.

To you, Judge?

SCHWARZ.

I acknowledge that I have bought it merely as accredited agent of a
third person. Here is the deed; it contains no secrets. [_Hands him a
paper_.]

OLDENDORF (_looking through it, to_ BOLZ).

It is drawn up by a notary in due form--sold for thirty thousand
thalers. [_Agitation among the staff-members_.] Let me get to the
bottom of the matter. Is this change of owner also to be connected
with a change in the political attitude of the sheet?

SENDEN (_coming forward_).

Certainly, Professor, that was the intention in making the purchase.

OLDENDORF.

Do I possibly see in you the new owner?

SENDEN.

Not that, but I have the honor to be a friend of his. You yourself, as
well as these gentlemen, have a right to demand the fulfilment of your
contracts. Your contracts provide, I understand, for six months'
notice. It goes without saying that you continue to draw your salary
until the expiration of this term.

BOLZ (_rising_).

You are very kind, Mr. von Senden. Our contracts empower us to edit
the paper as we see fit, and to control its tone and its party
affiliations. For the next half-year, therefore, we shall not only
continue to draw our salaries but also to conduct the paper for the
benefit of the party to which you have not the honor to belong.

SENDEN (_angrily_).

We'll find a way to prevent that!

OLDENDORF.

Calm yourself. That kind of work would scarcely be worthy of us. If
such are the circumstances, I announce that I resign the editorship
from today, and release you from all obligations to me.

BOLZ.

I don't mind. I make the same announcement.

BELLMAUS.

KAeMPE}(_together_). We too!

KOeRNER}

SENDEN (_to_ SCHWARZ).

You can testify that the gentlemen voluntarily renounce their rights.

BOLZ (_to the staff_).

Hold on, gentlemen, don't be too generous. It is all right for you to
take no further part in editing the paper if your friends withdraw.
But why abandon your pecuniary claims on the new owner?

BELLMAUS.

I'd rather take nothing at all from them; I'll follow your example.

BOLZ (_stroking him_).

Noble sentiment, my son! We'll make our way in the world together.
What do you think of a hand-organ, Bellmaus! We 'll take it to fairs
and sing your songs through. I'll turn and you'll sing.

OLDENDORF.

Since the new owner of the paper is not one of you, you will, in
concluding this transaction, find the question onl