"I was promised a favourable answer." The government official only shrugged his shoulders and laughed.
"On what ground is the petition rejected ?" asked Manasseh.
"On the ground that those for whom you petition forfeited their privileges as miners by taking up arms in '48.

Having taken them up once, they cannot refuse to do so a second time." Manasseh's bitter reflections were somewhat sweetened by the thought that, after all, he was not in any way indebted to Prince Cagliari.

But he owed him more than he suspected.

As he was turning to go, the government official detained him a moment longer.
"I hope," said he, as if by way of a casual remark, "that your own exemption from service is a matter of no uncertainty." "My own exemption!" repeated Manasseh, in amazement.

It had not once occurred to him that he, a former government councillor, might be drafted into the army.