“‘Because it was too aristocratic and uncomfortable,’ answered I.
“‘Perhaps the Rathherr, your brother, will be able to get you into the “Refuge,”’ said he, in a consoling way.
“‘God bless you! they have kicked me out of there long ago.’
“‘Then I know of nothing but the “Indigent” left for you.’
“‘My worthy friend,’ said I, ‘that is the very last place I came from.’
“But I was determined to be revenged. When my time was expired, I sallied forth with my mind fully made up as to what I was to do. I knew the hour when my brother, in pursuance of his duties, usually entered the magistrate’s office, and, attired as I was—look at me! just as I am now—in this old coat, the souvenir of the ‘Indigent,’ and these free-and-easy slippers, I waited at the great entrance of the Magistracy, to pay my respects to my brother, the Rath.
“I saw him coming; and, as soon as he reached the foot of the flight of stone steps, I marched forward, gave him a mock salute, and exclaimed, in a loud voice,
“‘Good morning, brother!’
“‘What is the meaning of this?’ demanded he.
“‘Look here, brother!’ said I, ‘look at this coat, and these shoes.’