SENDEN (angrily).

We’ll find a way to prevent that!

OLDENDORF.

Calm yourself.  That kind of work would scarcely be worthy of us.  If such are the circumstances, I announce that I resign the editorship from today, and release you from all obligations to me.

BOLZ.

I don’t mind.  I make the same announcement.

BELLMAUS.

KAeMPE}(together).  We too!

KOeRNER}

SENDEN (to SCHWARZ).

You can testify that the gentlemen voluntarily renounce their rights.

BOLZ (to the staff).

Hold on, gentlemen, don’t be too generous.  It is all right for you to take no further part in editing the paper if your friends withdraw.  But why abandon your pecuniary claims on the new owner?

BELLMAUS.

I’d rather take nothing at all from them; I’ll follow your example.

BOLZ (stroking him).

Noble sentiment, my son!  We’ll make our way in the world together.  What do you think of a hand-organ, Bellmaus!  We ’ll take it to fairs and sing your songs through.  I’ll turn and you’ll sing.

OLDENDORF.

Since the new owner of the paper is not one of you, you will, in concluding this transaction, find the question only natural—­To whom have we ceded our rights?

SENDEN.

The present owner of the paper is—­

Enter COLONEL through side door on the left.

OLDENDORF (starting back in alarm).

Colonel!

BOLZ.

Ah, now it is becoming high tragedy!

COLONEL.

First of all, Professor, be assured that I have nothing to do with this whole affair, and merely come at the request of the purchaser.  Not until I came here, did I know anything of what was going on.  I hope you will take my word for that.

BOLZ.

Well, I find this game unseemly, and I insist on being told who this new owner is who mysteriously hides behind different persons!

Enter ADELAIDE from the side door, left.

ADELAIDE.

He stands before you!

BOLZ.

I should just like to faint.

BELLMAUS.

That is a heavenly joke!

ADELAIDE (bowing).

How do you do, gentlemen! [To the staff.] Am I right in assuming that these gentlemen have hitherto been connected with editing the paper?

BELLMAUS (eagerly).

Yes, Miss Runeck!  Mr. Kaempe for leading articles, Mr. Koerner for the French and English correspondence, and I for theatre, music, fine arts, and miscellaneous.

ADELAIDE.

I shall be much pleased if your principles will let you continue devoting your talents to my newspaper. [The three members of the staff bow.]

BELLMAUS (laying his hand on his heart).