The town was indeed devastated; the wild uproar was over; but all peaceful activity seemed exhausted too.

The necessaries of life were dear, and work scarce.

Many who once wore boots went barefoot now.

He who could formerly have bought a new coat, now contented himself with having the old one mended; the shoemaker and tailor breakfasted on water-gruel instead of coffee; the shopkeeper was unable to pay his debts to the merchant, and the merchant unable to discharge his obligations to other firms.

He who had to recover money from men thus depressed had a hard task indeed, as Anton soon found out.