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I dined at Landsberg's; I sat in the kitchen of the former Baroness Gembruk.... I visited all the celebrities. I was present at a flogging, after which I dreamed for three or four nights of the executioner and the revolting accessories. I have talked to men who were chained to trucks.
The two machines were leaning against the wall. Outside was a third Landsberg's. Güntz pushed it in under cover. "It would be a pity," he said, "for the night dew to spoil the nickel." They wheeled their bicycles slowly through the gate, and as they were starting Güntz said: "Look here, dear boy; will you go to Landsberg early to-morrow morning and take him a challenge?
It certainly was a fact that no one ever saw the landlord of the Auer, and that the landlady's two smart boys, who helped so cheerfully in picking up the skittles, bore a striking resemblance to the major. It was in the courtyard of the Auer tavern, when, after one of these excursions of Major Schrader's, they were getting their bicycles out of the shed, that Landsberg's rancour broke out.
I know that Landsberg's real reason is military antagonism; but despite that, I dare not interfere." The colonel stopped suddenly right in front of the lieu-tenant, and looking him squarely in the eyes, asked: "Do you really think that Güntz's honour is affected?" Reimers was silent. A "yes" seemed to him quite contrary to reason, and yet he could not say "no."
Güntz heard the bullet whizz past on his left. He had directed his barrel a little to the side of his opponent's shoulder, and pressed the trigger. The shot missed fire. He had forgotten to cock the pistol. The second attempt at reconciliation was also unsuccessful. Again Kauerhof gave the word. Güntz saw Landsberg's pistol aimed directly at his breast.
Then Landsberg looked up, and for the hundredth part of a second caught his opponent's gaze. Landsberg's aim was unerringly directed on his man, when suddenly his hand began to shake, and he fired blindly, just as he heard Güntz's bullet whistle past him. Güntz stood unharmed, a happy smile on his good-natured, open face. Reimers hastened up to him and seized his hand.
Hannah von Gropphusen had seated herself upon a chair, carelessly crossing her legs so that the grey silk stockings were visible from ankle to knee. Presently she became conscious of Landsberg's regard; she moved disdainfully, and slowly rearranged her skirt. Reimers felt furious. He longed to kick the offending youth. He sprang to his feet.
Suddenly Landsberg's snapping voice crowed out: "Battery, halt!" and immediately afterwards: "Open with shrapnel!" The men grinned at one another. Two or three of the gunners got down and stood there, quite at a loss. They ought to load; yet the word of command, "Prepare for action!" had not been given.
He would have liked to throw his arms round the dear fellow's neck. Now the reconciliation took place, and when the opponents shook hands Landsberg's glance fell before the honest eyes of the senior-lieutenant. All traces of embarrassment vanished from the men's faces.
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