Remarkably high.  Our opponents agree that no other candidate would be so dangerous for them, and our friends everywhere are most hopeful.  But you know how little that may signify.  Here is the list of the voters.  Our election committee sends word to you that our calculations were correct.  Of the hundred voters from our town, forty surely ours.  About an equal number are pledged to the other party; the remnant of some twenty votes are undecided.  It is clear that the election will be determined by a very small majority.

BOLZ.

Of course we shall have that majority—­a majority of from eight to ten votes.  Just say that, everywhere, with the greatest assuredness.  Many a one who is still undecided will come over to us on hearing that we are the stronger.  Where is the list of our uncertain voters? [Looks it over.]

KAeMPE.

I have placed a mark wherever our friends think some influence might be exerted.

BOLZ.

I see two crosses opposite one name; what do they signify?

KAeMPE.

That is Piepenbrink, the wine-dealer Piepenbrink.  He has a large following in his district, is a well-to-do man, and, they say, can command five or six votes among his adherents.

BOLZ.

Him we must have.  What sort of a man is he?

KAeMPE.

He is very blunt, they say, and no politician at all.

BELLMAUS.

But he has a pretty daughter.

KAeMPE.

What’s the use of his pretty daughter?  I’d rather he had an ugly wife—­one could get at him more easily.

BELLMAUS.

Yes, but he has one—­a lady with little curls and fiery red ribbons in her cap.

BOLZ.

Wife or no wife, the man must be ours.  Hush, some one is coming; that is Oldendorf’s step.  He needn’t know anything of our conference.  Go to your room, gentlemen.  To be continued this evening.

KAeMPE (at the door).

It is still agreed, I suppose, that in the next number I resume the attack on the new correspondent of the Coriolanus, the one with the arrow.

BOLZ.

Yes, indeed.  Pitch into him, decently but hard.  Just now, on the eve of the election, a little row with our opponents will do us good; and the articles with the arrow give us a great opening.

[Exeunt KAeMPE and BELLMAUS.]

Enter OLDENDORF through centre door.

OLDENDORF.

Good-day, Conrad.

BOLZ (at the table on the right, looking over the list of voters).

Blessed be thy coming!  The mail is over there; there is nothing of importance.

OLDENDORF.

Do you need me here today?

BOLZ.

No, my darling.  This evening’s issue is ready.  For tomorrow Kaempe is writing the leading article.

OLDENDORF.

About what?