CURT. Do you think they will let themselves be brought?
CAPTAIN. Of course, if you have got any backbone! It would make a good impression on the people if you fulfilled your duties in that respect also——
CURT. I have always fulfilled my duties in that respect.
CAPTAIN. [Raising his voice]—in the one respect where you have proved yourself most remiss——
CURT. Have I not told you——
CAPTAIN. [Paying no attention]—for one does not desert one's children like that——
CURT. Go right on!
CAPTAIN. As your relative—a relative older than yourself—I feel entitled to tell you the truth, even if it should prove bitter—and you should not take it badly——
CURT. Are you hungry?
CAPTAIN. Yes, I am.