oriolanus_, and, the next day, invited me to dinner.

SENDEN (_shrugging his shoulders_).

If that is all you gain by it!

BLUMENBERG.

It is merely the beginning.--The articles are clumsy; why should I not
say so?

SENDEN.

God knows they are!

BLUMENBERG.

And no one knows who the author is.

SENDEN.

That was the old gentleman's stipulation. I imagine he is afraid of
Oldendorf.

BLUMENBERG.

And precisely what I anticipated has come to pass. Oldendorf's paper
has today attacked these articles. Here is the latest issue of the
_Union_.

SENDEN.

Let me look at it. Well, that will be a fine mix-up! Is the attack
insulting?

BLUMENBERG.

The Colonel will be sure to consider it so. Don't you think that that
will help us against the professor?

SENDEN.

Upon my honor you are the slyest devil that ever crept out of an
inkstand!

BLUMENBERG.

Give it to me, the Colonel is coming. _Enter the_ COLONEL.

COLONEL.

Good morning, gentlemen!--[_aside_] and that Oldendorf should just
happen to be here! If only he will remain in the garden! Well, Mr.
Editor, how is the _Coriolanus_?

BLUMENBERG.

Our readers admire the new articles marked with an arrow. Is there any
chance that some more--

COLONEL (_drawing a manuscript from his pocket and looking round_).

I rely on your discretion. As a matter of fact I wanted to read it
through again on account of the structure of the sentences.

BLUMENBERG.

That can best be done in the proof-reading.

COLONEL.

I think it will do. Take it; but not a word--

BLUMENBERG.

You will let me send it at once to press. [_At the door._] Schmock!

[SCHMOCK _appears at the door, takes the manuscript and exit
quickly._]

SENDEN.

Blumenberg is keeping the sheet up to the mark, but, as he has
enemies, he has to fight hard to defend himself.

COLONEL (_amused_).

Enemies? Who does not have them? But journalists have nerves like
women. Everything excites you; every word that any one says against
you rouses your indignation! Oh come, you are sensitive people!

BLUMENBERG.

Possibly you are right, Colonel. But when one has opponents like this
_Union_--

COLONEL.

Oh, yes, the _Union_. It is a thorn in the flesh to both of you. There
is a great deal in it that I cannot praise; but, really when it comes
to sounding an alarm, attacking, and pitching in, it is cleverer than
your paper. The articles are witty; even when they are on the wrong
side one