"Well, Master Populus, what do you think?" he proceeded, smiling, after, pausing a moment. "Do you wish to continue the holding of the keys of heaven and earth? If so you must do it on my terms. And my terms are these—no more lying, no more false accounts, no more stealing from my poor, no more liberties taken with the property and people in your charge. Do you agree?"
The boldness of the opponent of Master Mule had evaporated. Two meek and scarcely whispered words alone left his lips—
"Yes, sir."
"Another thing. Are you willing to choose my intendancy at a fair profit rather than election to the States-General and glory?"
A white wave passed over Populus' countenance. At length, however, he again whispered—
"Yes, sir."
"Well, then, Monsieur Intendant, we can proceed to business. How much grain have I in the granaries? I have the books here."
"About four thousand bushels of wheat."
"In the book are entered two thousand."
"That is my mistake, sir."