Müller says thoughtfully: “What’s the use? We’ll have to go back and sit on the forms again.”

I consider that out of the question. “We might take a special exam.”

“That needs preparation. And if you do get through, what then? A student’s life isn’t any better. If you have no money, you have to work like the devil.”

“It’s a bit better. But it’s rot all the same, everything they teach you.”

Kropp supports me: “How can a man take all that stuff seriously when he’s once been out here?”

“Still you must have an occupation of some sort,” insists Müller, as though he were Kantorek himself.