"Here I am," said Fischer; "forewarned of your intention I could have left Frankfort, but it is my custom to face danger."
"Oh! so you knew that you would be in danger, Mr. Pocket-pen, when you reached me."
"An unarmed man is always in danger from a powerful armed enemy."
"You consider me your enemy, then?"
"The indemnity you have exacted from Frankfort and your threats against Herr Fellner are not those of a friend, you will allow."
"Oh! you have no need to await my threats and orders to declare yourself my enemy. We know your paper, and it is because we know it that you are going to sign the following declaration. Sit down there, take a pen, and write."
"I take a pen; but, before using it, what are you about to dictate?"
"You want to know? Well, here it is. I, Dr. Fischer Goullet, Councillor of State, editor in chief.... But you are not writing."
"Finish your sentence, sir, and if I decide to write I will do so."
"Editor-in-chief of the 'Post Zeitung,' acknowledge myself guilty of systematic and calumnious hostility towards the Prussian Government."