"That maid must have a man," said Kurz, playing the king, and, laying the trick aside, he led a low club (kreuz). "Kreuz Kringel und Zweibach!"[[6]]
"Bite, Peter, they are lentils!" cried Bräsig to Habermann.
"Hold!" cried Kurz, "no telling!"
"God forbid!" said Habermann, and played also a low club.
"A fine singer is our sexton," said the rector, playing the nine.
"A cross and strife, a wicked wife, the Lord hath sent upon me," said Bräsig, and took the trick with the queen.
"Well," said Kurz, "that was a heavy cross, to be sure. What have you next?"
"Pay attention, Karl, now we begin our journey," said Bräsig. "Herr," to Kurz, "I was whist. Here! Pikas was a pointer," and led the pik-as (ace of spades), and followed with the king,--"Long live the king!" and then the queen,--"Respect for the ladies!"
"Good heavens!" cried Kurz, laying down his cards, and looking at the rector, "what a hand! He can't have any more spades."
"Dear brother-in-law," said the rector, "I come yet."