The Dramatic Works of Gerhart Hauptmann - LightNovelsOnl.com
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And you come to give me some information.
FLEISCHER
If you will permit me, that is what I should like to do. I have made an observation which may, quite possibly, help the authorities to track down the thief in question.
WEHRHAHN
[_Drums on the table with his fingers. He looks around at the others with an expression of affected surprise which tempts them to laughter._] What is this important observation which you have made?
FLEISCHER
Of course, if you have previously made up your mind to attach no importance to my evidence, I should prefer ...
WEHRHAHN
[_Quickly and arrogantly._] What would you prefer?
FLEISCHER
To hold my peace.
WEHRHAHN
[_Turns to MOTES with a look expressive of inability to understand FLEISCHER'S motives. Then, in a changed tone, with very superficial interest._] My time is rather fully occupied. I would request you to be as brief as possible.
FLEISCHER
My time is no less preempted. Nevertheless I considered it my duty ...
WEHRHAHN
[_Interrupting._] You considered it your duty. Very well. Now tell us what you know.
FLEISCHER
[_Conquering himself._] I went boating yesterday. I had taken Mrs.
Wolff's boat and her daughter was rowing.
WEHRHAHN
Are these details necessarily pertinent to the business in hand?
FLEISCHER
They certainly are--in my opinion.
WEHRHAHN
[_Drumming impatiently on the table._] Very well! Very well! Let's get on!
FLEISCHER
We rowed to the neighbourhood of the locks. A lighter lay at anchor there. The ice, we were able to observe, was piled up there. The lighter had probably not been able to proceed.
WEHRHAHN
H-m. Is that so? That interests us rather less. What is the kernel of this whole story?
FLEISCHER
[_Keeping his temper by main force._] I must confess that this method of ... I have come here quite voluntarily to offer a voluntary service to the authorities.
GLASENAPP
[_Impudently._] His honour is pressed for time. You are to talk less and state what you have to say briefly and compactly.
WEHRHAHN
[_Vehemently._] Let's get to business at once. What is it you want?
FLEISCHER
[_Still mastering himself._] I am concerned that the matter be cleared up. And in the interest of old Mr. Krueger, I will ...
WEHRHAHN
[_Yawning and bored._] The light dazzles me; do pull down the shades.
FLEISCHER
On the lighter was an old boatman--probably the owner of the vessel.
WEHRHAHN
[_Yawning as before._] Yes, most probably.
FLEISCHER
This man sat on his deck in a fur coat which, at a distance, I considered a beaver coat.
WEHRHAHN
[_Bored._] I might have taken it to be marten.
FLEISCHER
I pulled as close up to him as possible and thus gained a very good view.
The man was a poverty-stricken, slovenly boatman and the fur coat seemed by no means appropriate. It was, in addition, a perfectly new coat ...
