The Opposite House: A Novel — page 27: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

bo bo Lhe Opposite House. “Read his waste paper!” thundered the superin- tendent, advancing with clenched fists. Traugott held out a document which he had just drawn from his breast-pocket. ‘The workman began to read with a trembling voice ; his features grew paler and more agitated. “Heavenly father, it has failed!” ‘‘ And here is the seal of the court,’ Gerrald con- tinued calmly, holding the paper aloft. ‘‘ The tan- nery has not been able to keep on with the business, and the creditors are pressing the sale. The mag- istrates offered it to me, and informed me of the matter first because the building could be conveni- ently incorporated with the mill here. Now goand seek employment. I need no men who wish to rebel against their master.” Lohfeld, deadly pale, approached, raising his clasped hands. “‘ Master!’ he cried, frantically. ‘‘I have four children !’ “Have pity, master,” pleaded a hundred voices ; “almost all of us have families! Don’t turn us off, or they must starve!” Gerrald’s stern expression vanished, and he held out his hand kindly to Lohfeld. “No, my men, I will not make you homeless !” he called loudly. ‘Have no fear; I shall not plunge my workmen into poverty because, misled by un- > a C@ iclo@oolkks.€O© 5}