[_He pours out their beverage; the two touch glasses, take a
mouthful, and then set the glasses down on the counter._
TRAVELLER
[_To FORESTER._] Come far this morning, sir?
FORESTER
From Steinseiffersdorf--that's a good step.
_Two old WEAVERS enter, and seat themselves beside ANSORGE, BAUMERT,
and HORNIG._
TRAVELLER
Excuse me asking, but are you in Count Hochheim's service?
FORESTER
No. I'm in Count Keil's.
TRAVELLER
Yes, yes, of course--that was what I meant. One gets confused here among
all the counts and barons and other gentlemen. It would take a giant's
memory to remember them all. Why do you carry an axe, if I may ask?
FORESTER
I've just taken this one from a man who was stealing wood.
OLD BAUMERT
Yes, their lordships are mighty strict with us about a few sticks for the
fire.
TRAVELLER
You must allow that if every one were to help himself to what he wanted
...
OLD BAUMERT
By your leave, sir, but there's a difference made here as elsewhere
between the big an' the little thieves. There's some here as deals in
stolen wood wholesale, and grows rich on it. But if a poor weaver ...
FIRST OLD WEAVER
[_Interrupts BAUMERT.
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