Perhaps you think I haven't got the needful. You're wrong,
then. If we wanted we could sit an' drink your best brandy an' swill
coffee till to-morrow morning with any bagman in the land.
[_Laughter among the young weavers._
TRAVELLER
[_Affecting comic surprise._] Is the young gentleman kind enough to take
notice of me?
[_Host, hostess, and their daughter, WIEGAND, and the TRAVELLER all
laugh._
JAEGER
If the cap fits, wear it.
TRAVELLER
Your affairs seem to be in a thriving condition, young man, if I may be
allowed to say so.
JAEGER
I can't complain. I'm a traveller in made-up goods. I go shares with the
manufacturers. The nearer starvation the weaver is, the better I fare.
His want butters my bread.
BECKER
Well done, Moritz! You gave it him that time. Here's to you!
[_WELZEL has brought the corn-brandy. On his way back to the counter
he stops, turns round slowly, and stands, an embodiment of phlegmatic
strength, facing the weavers._
WELZEL
[_Calmly but emphatically._] You let the gentleman alone. He's done you
no harm.
YOUNG WEAVERS
And we're doing him no harm.
[_MRS. WELZEL has exchanged a few words with the TRAVELLER.
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