paint, and not an old graystone color to make it look like a robber
castle. Eckert should, therefore, have a fresh touch of paint for
his new dignity, a spick and span new coat-of-arms."

"I am entirely of your majesty's opinion," exclaimed Von Pollnitz
solemnly; "and as every noble family bears on its coat-of-arms some
emblem and reminiscence of the deeds and events through which it
became great, so should also the escutcheon of the noble house of
Eckert contain some such reminiscence. I propose to quarter this
shield. The first field shall show on a silver ground a black
chimney, in which we will also have indicated the Prussian colors.
The second field is blue, with a golden vat in the centre, having
reference to Eckert's great ability as a beer-brewer. The third
field is green, with a golden pheasant in the middle, suggestive of
Eckert's earlier occupation as gamekeeper in Brunswick; and the
fourth field shows on a red ground a cock and a knife, a
reminiscence of the good old times when Privy Councillor Von Eckert
fed and dressed fowls in Bairout."

A peal of laughter from the entire club rewarded Von Pollnitz for
his proposition. The king was also so well pleased, that he, in all
gravity, determined to accept it, and to have a coat-of-arms with
the above designated emblems adjusted over the door of the new house
in Jager Street.

The merriment of the gentlemen of the Tobacco Club was now becoming
energetic, and jests and jokes were contributed by all. The grand
chamberlain, Von Pollnitz, was, however, the gayest of the gay. And
if the pleasantries which bubbled from his lips like water from a
fountain, at any time threatened to flag, a glance at the pale face