After listening to this astounding accusation against him, Manasseh recognised that he was far more deeply in Cagliari's debt than he had supposed.
"I have accomplished my mission in brilliant style," was his report when he reached home. "Not only my workmen are drafted, but I also along with them."
The women were struck with consternation, but Aaron burst out laughing.
"Oh, you poor innocent!" he cried, "how can you be a soldier with one shoulder six inches higher than the other?"
"What, am I really so misshapen as that?" asked Manasseh, in surprise.
"To be sure, or at least you can make yourself so for the nonce. Don't you remember how our neighbour Methuselah's grandson went limping about with one leg longer than the other, when the recruiting officer was here?"
"Methuselah's grandson may do that kind of thing," answered Manasseh, "but not an Adorjan. I can't practise any deceit of that sort."
"Deceit!" cried Aaron; "we are deceiving no one--only the government."
"And is the government no one?" asked his brother.
"Well, it's all right to outwit the Austrians," muttered Aaron.
"I don't agree with you," was all Manasseh could say. "If I am ordered to march I shall obey. My poor lads are obliged to exchange the pick for the rifle, and shall I, their master, shirk my duty?"
"Manasseh is right," declared Anna. "What will do for a grandson of Methuselah will not do for an Adorjan. When an Adorjan's name is called he must answer to it like a man. Our brother will be the pride of his regiment, and will soon rise to be an officer; then he can obtain his discharge and come home."
Manasseh pressed his sister's hand in gratitude for these words of courage and good cheer.
"Yes, but suppose he has to go to war?" objected Blanka.
"Never fear," returned her husband. "Even if Austria becomes involved in the present dispute, the Hungarian regiments are not likely to be sent to the front. They will be stationed in Lombardy, where all is as quiet as possible."
"Then I will go with you," said Blanka, brightening up.
"No, you must stay with us," Anna interposed. "You and the children are best cared for here, and, besides, if Manasseh goes away you will have to look after the iron works. New hands are to be engaged, and ever so much is to be done all over again. How can you think of leaving us in the lurch? There will be no one but you to manage things; you alone can direct the works and put bread into our poor people's mouths."