CURT. That was a manly word! But I have nothing to forgive you. And I am not the man you believe me to be. No longer now! Least of all one worthy of receiving your confessions!
CAPTAIN. [With clear voice] Life seemed so peculiar—so contrary, so malignant—ever since my childhood—and people seemed so bad that I grew bad also——
CURT. [On his feet, perturbed, and glancing at the telegraph instrument] Is it possible to close off an instrument like that?
CAPTAIN. Hardly.
CURT. [With increasing alarm] Who is Sergeant-Major Östberg?
CAPTAIN. An honest fellow, but something of a busybody, I should say.
CURT. And who is the Quartermaster?
CAPTAIN. He is my enemy, of course, but I have nothing bad to say of him.
CURT. [Looking out through the window, where a lantern is seen moving to and fro] What are they doing with the lantern out on the battery?
CAPTAIN. Do you see a lantern?