Josef cleared away the papers which had been boring Dr. Haberfeld, and, on his request, brought him the Prague and Berlin papers. Then he attended to some other patrons who had just come in, and who ordered a pint of wine each. “Like in a saloon,” Josef whispered as he passed the attorney. The latter nodded understandingly, lighted a cigar, and fell to dreaming of the days when he had sat there every evening with a group of Jewish colleagues and, political enmity notwithstanding, had exchanged with them many clever and original ideas. CHAPTER IV. “SOMETHING HE CANNOT FINISH” This year the early spring, which always is marked by political disturbances, again brought some agitated days to Vienna. Unemployment spread to a terrifying extent, factory after factory closed down, and there were numerous failures among the retail establishments. Noisy demonstrations were held everywhere, not only by the laborers, who were partly provided for by the state, but by idle salesmen and salesgirls, bookkeepers and typists as well, until it was decided, at a stormy session of the cabinet, to subsidize these classes also during the time of their unemployment. The Minister of Finance fought against this measure with all his power, but finally the Chancellor, Dr. Schwertfeger, had his way. Dr. Schwertfeger, who had become even harder, stiffer, and more bony, declared that this additional burden would have to be borne. “We may not let things come to such a pass that the expulsion of the Jews should one day be blamed for misery and distress. So far we have been able to persuade the _Arbeiter-Zeitung_, whose spirit is still Jewish though its editors are Christians, to refrain from all criticism of the anti-Jewish law. But if we do not meet the demands of the unemployed business men and women, its patience will be at an end, and if only to draw these people into its camp, it will inaugurate a campaign that may prove ruinous; for we have not yet passed the transitional stage between the reign of the Jews and our complete emancipation.” “And our krone?” sarcastically interjected Professor Trumm. “We must turn to our Christian friends abroad and explain to them the straits in which we find ourselves. The best thing would be for you to leave immediately for Paris and London.” Trumm laughed harshly. “Quite futile! Even three months ago I returned empty-handed from my first begging tour. Those people will give no more--they have not even adhered entirely to their solemn promises. You underestimate the influence of our former fellow-citizens, the Austrian Jews, some of whom hold positions in foreign banks today. Besides, the delirious enthusiasm of the Christians has passed, and people are again viewing things from a sober business standpoint. Even Mr. Huxtable has refused.--But all right, let us grant the demands of the unemployed clerical workers! However, I wash my hands in innocence.”