“Three of them are lieutenants,” says Müller. “Do you think they would still let Kantorek sit on them?”

We guess not: we wouldn’t let ourselves be sat on for that matter.

“What do you mean by the threefold theme in William Tell ?” says Kropp reminiscently, and roars with laughter.

“What was the purpose of the Poetic League of Göttingen?” asked Müller suddenly and earnestly.

“How many children has Charles the Bald?” I interrupt gently.

“You’ll never make anything of your life, Bäumer,” croaks Müller.

“When was the battle of Zana?” Kropp wants to know.

“You lack the studious mind, Kropp, sit down, three minus⁠—” I say.