Now, thought Uncle Bräsig, it is time to keep my promise about fibbing. "I went out for a little fishing, this morning,--you will not take it ill, gracious Frau, that I have left my fishing-rod in your hall,--and I met the Herr von Rambow, who was out walking, and we looked at his wheat together, and he invited me here to breakfast. But, gracious Frau, what fine sausage! you must surely have got the recipe from Frau Nüssler."
"No," said Frida, absently, looking at Bräsig and at Axel, as if it seemed very strange to her that Axel should have invited the old inspector. "How did it happen, Herr Inspector," she began. Hold! thought Bräsig, you will fib yourself into a trap, you must give another turn to the conversation, so he interrupted:
"With your leave, gracious Frau, you always call me 'inspector,' and so I have been; but I have been promoted, I am, now assessor at the court. Apohpoh!" turning to Axel, "why don't you take your money, that lies ready for you at the court, in Rahnstadt?"
"What money?" inquired Axel.
"Why, the fifteen hundred thalers, that the baggage hadn't spent. You must have had a letter about it, several weeks ago, from the court."
"I have had so many letters from the court, of late, that I no longer open them."
"I know about the business," cried Frida. "Frau Nüssler told me, on the way. I will get the letter," and she ran out of the door.
"Young Herr von Rambow," said Bräsig, drawing himself up, "there you have done wrong again, for we judges are not only the punishers of mankind, we are also the benefactors of mankind."
"But do tell me what money it is!"
"Here is the letter," said Frida, giving it to her husband.