"Unfortunate one," cried the master of the house, "I see your embarrassment: it was yourself; your conscience pricks you. How can you show that the dog was under the sofa? On your peril, I demand a tangible evidence."
"Here it is," cried Dorchen, still sobbing, and pointing in tragic attitude with her hand to the ground.
There certainly was an indubitable proof under the sofa, although not strictly tangible. The dog had left behind him as sure a confirmation as if he had impressed his seal on the ground.
Now, Mrs. Hahn indignantly gave the orders which became a housewife under such circumstances.
"Do not attempt it," cried Mr. Hahn; "away with towels and cloths; this shall remain."
"But, Andreas," exclaimed his wife.
"This shall remain, I say; it must be acknowledged and certified to. Bring Mr. Ruddy immediately, and his wife, and whatever witnesses you can find on the street."
The witnesses came, and, standing round, examined the place of the evil deed; but Mr. Hahn hastened to his writing-table, and wrote a strong letter to Mr. Hummel, in which he related the misdeed, and threateningly demanded compensation. This letter Mr. Ruddy carried off to Mr. Hummel, with a board on which were laid the ruins of the clock.
Hummel read the letter carefully, and threw it on the table.
"I congratulate your master upon his new undertaking for the summer," he said, coldly. "Carry the debris back again; I have no answer for such nonsense. Some people will make fools of themselves."