At this he began to laugh. It was a stage laugh, for he placed his hand on his stomach, crooked his back, and turned upon his heel, choking with laughter.
"And you also are hiding away here from the Germans! Well, that is a joke!"
I inquired somewhat brusquely what there was to laugh at.
"Why, at your hiding—hiding away from the Imperialists. You, of all people! Why, don't you know, then, that very many deputies defended themselves before the court-martials by declaring themselves former contributors to your Esti Lap?[70] Why, every one knows that you were the organ of the peace party at Debreczin. Every one is well aware that you were the ally of the Imperialists."
[70] Evening News.
At this I at once flew into a rage.
"Have you ever seen the Esti Lap?"
"No, I've not actually seen it, but it was the general opinion among us soldiers that you were higgling with the Imperialists."
At this Bessy intervened by giving a good tug at her friend's collar.
"Rubbish! Such rumours are only circulated by pot-house heroes like yourself. He certainly was no traitor! Would that all who open their mouths so loudly were as good patriots?"