Had I discharged a loaded pistol in the midst of them, the dismay and astonishment could not have been greater. That any one “aus dem Hof”--“out of the yard”--should presume to think he had feelings that could be outraged, seemed a degree of arrogance beyond belief, and my word “insult” was repeated from mouth to mouth with amazement. “Come here, Knabe,” said the cashier, in a voice of blended gentleness and command,-- “come here, and let us talk to you.” I arose and made my way from the bow to the stern of the boat. Short as the distance was, it gave me time to bethink me that I must repress all anger or irritation if I desired to keep my secret; so that when I reached my place, my mind was made up. “Silk-velvet as I live!” said one who passed his hand along my sleeve as I went. “No one wishes to offend you, youngster,” said the cashier to me, as he placed me beside him; “nor when we talk freely to each other, as is our wont, are any of us offended.” “But you forget, sir,” said I, “that I have no share in these freedoms, and that were I to attempt them, you'd resent the liberty pretty soon.” “The Knabe is right,” “He says what's true,” “He speaks sensibly,” were muttered all around. “You have been well educated, I suspect?” said the cashier, in a gentle voice; and now the thought that by a word--a mere word--I might compromise myself beyond recall flashed across me, and I answered, “I have learned some things.” “One of which was caution,” broke in another; and a roar of laughter welcomed his joke. Many a severer sarcasm would not have cut so deeply into me. The imputation of a reserve based on cunning was too much for my temper, and in a moment I forgot all prudence, And hotly said, “If I am such an object of interest to you, gentlemen, that you must know even the details of my education, the only way I see to satisfy this curiosity of yours is to say that, if you will question me as to what I know And what I do not, I will do my best to answer you.” “That's a challenge,” cried one; “he thinks we are too illiterate to examine him.” “We see that you speak German fluently,” said the cashier; “do you know French?” I nodded assent “And Italian and English?” “Yes; English is my native language.” “What about Greek and Latin, boy?” “Very little Greek; some half-dozen Latin authors.” “Any Hebrew?” chimed in one, with a smile of half mockery. “Not a syllable.” “That's a pity, for you could have chatted with Herr Ignaz in it.” “Or the Fraulein,” muttered another. “She knows no Hebrew,” “She does; she reads it well,” “Nothing of the kind,” were quickly spoken from many quarters; and a very hot discussion ensued, in which the Fraulein Sara's accomplishments and acquirements took the place of mine in public interest.