His massive face was gloomy as midnight, and the fiery blue eyes almost closed.
After awhile he growled: "But why--why ?" "Oh, I suppose because of the fifteen hundred marks for the families of the dismissed workmen." "Of course!" cried Schrotter, clapping his hand to his forehead.
"Dorfling's gold does not come from the Rhine for nothing," Wilhelm smiled sadly.

"Like the Nibleungen treasure, it is doomed to bring disaster on all who possess it." As Schrotter did not answer, Wilhelm resumed: "And as we are on the subject, we may as well settle that matter at once.

Of course you will use the whole income now for your poor ?" "Not at all!" cried Schrotter.

"Why should things not remain as they are?
Wherever you may take up your abode, the poor you have always with you." Wilhelm shook his head.

"I may possibly go abroad, and you see, Herr Doctor, I am prejudiced in favor of my own country.