lowest conditions, we not only honor an active man such as he is, but we induce all our youth to strive toward the noblest aims. We will thus be performing a work of inestimable worth for the future of our New Community. Every son of Venice could become a doge; every member of the New Community shall be able to sit in its greatest office."
The tumult of applause was mingled with shouts of "Name! Name! Who is it?"
Dr. Marcus raised his hand. Silence was restored and he continued: "I will not mention the name of the candidate from the tribune, for according to our procedure the Electoral Congress cannot be used for the purpose of making speeches in favor of candidates. I request the chairman to adjourn the sitting."
The adjournment followed, and the delegates rushed from their places, surrounding Marcus and Levy. And they answered all the inquiries by telling those nearest to them the name of their candidate. It was passed from lip to lip. In a few moments it had been carried to the galleries. It was David Litvak.
“Thunder and glory!” shouted Kingscourt, excited. Friedrich pressed his hand; “And he is sitting by the bedside of his dying mother. Shall we telegraph?”
"No, my boy. We shall do something better. The poor fellow has got enough trouble with his mother; why shall we trouble him with the election? Perhaps, after all, he will not be elected. Let us take the next train to Tiberias; by the time the election is over we shall have arrived, and then we will ask whether the president of the New Community, Herr Litvak, is living there."
They took Reschid Bey into their confidence; he was to telegraph the result to Tiberias, and the whereabouts of David should, in the meantime, be kept secret.
In the monkey cage the news of the candidacy of David was received with mingled feelings.
Grun made an execrable pun. Blau observed, "When I shall next come upon this earth, I shall be the son of a peddler."
Herr Schlesinger, the representative of Baron von Goldstein, was much concerned. "Well, I ask you, can anyone join such a community? They call that the New Community."
"And do you know what we are?" said Schiffmann suddenly, upon whom a great peace had come. "We are—a fine society."
CHAPTER VI.
When Kingscourt and Friedrich reached the hotel, Mrs. Litvak and the child had already left. But there was another express to Tiberias, which they caught. As they sat in the electric car they glanced at the surrounding scenery and observed not only the perspective, but thought over their adventures in Oldnewland. Kingscourt was much surprised when Friedrich, in the midst of this discussion, suddenly said, "I would like to go to Europe."
"What! You miserable creature! Have you already had enough of the land of your Jewish forefathers?"
"No, my good Kingscourt. I am very happy that you wish to remain here, and that I can look forward to becoming a useful member of the New Community.