"God forbid!" said Fritz, "I arranged the machine just as you ordered, I measured the land myself."
"It isn't possible!" cried Habermann, "then my eyes must deceive me. Where is your measuring-rod?"
"I haven't a measuring-rod," said Fritz, "and don't need one either," he added, spitefully, for the great approbation of the young Herr had gone to his head. "I measure everything with my instrument," pointing to his invention which lay at his feet.
"What?" cried Habermann, "what is that?"
"An invention of mine," said Fritz, looking as proud as if he had set up the first steam-engine.
"Ah!" said Habermann, "well, take the trumpery, and measure me ten rods."
Fritz took his invention in hand, and let the thing run. Habermann walked by his side, and asked:
"How much have you?"
"Ten rods," said Fritz.
"And I have nine, and two feet," said the old man.