"Accidental?" cried Hans Redebas; "not at all accidental; you are driving a good business to-day."
"And where is your wife?" said Otto von Plüggen.
"I demand an explanation of this," cried Brandow; "I will not permit--"
He paused suddenly. Turning angrily towards Otto von Plüggen, he saw Gotthold, who must have entered the room directly behind him, and had unquestionably heard all. It was impossible to discuss this subject in his presence. So, with a violent effort, he forced back the furious hate that surged up in his heart at the sight of his face, and cried:
"So there you are at last! Where in the world have you hidden yourself? Thank God, you have come to put an end to this horrible gambling."
"Ho! ho!" exclaimed Hans Redebas, "horrible gambling! Is that the way the wind blows? I believe you! He has won six hundred or more already. Does that taste badly?"
"I owe no man any revenge, however," cried Brandow, with a gesture of exaggerated violence.
"But, Brandow," expostulated the Assessor, "you mustn't weigh every word; Redebas had no intention of offending you. He only wanted to continue the game, and, to speak frankly, I don't see what we could do better."
"Well, Herr Assessor, if you think what you have also won--"
"The few thalers!" said the Assessor, not without some little embarrassment.