"I shall do so with pleasure, Mr. Schwefel! Both those gentlemen will, in all probability, call on me today in relation to matters of business. It will be for me a pleasing consciousness to have aided in obtaining merited recognition for Hans Shund."
"Our agreement is, however, to be kept strictly secret from the public."
"Of course, of course!"
"You will not forget, at the same time, Mr. Greifmann, that our very extraordinary undertaking will necessitate greater than ordinary outlay. It is a custom among laborers not to work on the day before election, and the same on election day itself. Yet, in order to keep them in good humor, they must get wages the same as if they had worked. This is for the manufacturer no insignificant disadvantage. Moreover, workingmen and doubtful voters, require to be stimulated with beer gratis--another tax on our purses."
"How high do these expenses run?" asked the millionaire.
"For Sand, Erdblatt, and myself, they never fall short of twelve hundred florins."
"That would make each one's share of the costs four hundred florins."
Taking a five-hundred florin banknote between his thumb and forefinger, the banker reached it carelessly to the somewhat puzzled leader.
"My contribution to the promotion of the interests of progress! I shall give as much to Messrs. Sand and Erdblatt."
"Many thanks, Mr. Greifmann!" said Schwefel, pocketing the money with satisfaction.