LINDKVIST. Tell me again and louder.
ELIS. Yes.
LINDKVIST [Giving Elis blue paper]. Then that matter is over with—and there is an end to that paper, and an end to your troubles on that score.
[Elis takes paper without looking at it.]
LINDKVIST. Then we have number two—that was number one. Let us sit down. [They sit as before.] You see—if we only meet each other half-way, it will be so much shorter.—Number two—that is my claim on your home.—No illusions—as I cannot and will not give away my family's common property, I must have what is owing me, to the last penny.
ELIS. I understand—
LINDKVIST. So. You understand that?
ELIS. I didn't mean to offend you.
LINDKVIST. No. I gather as much. [He lifts his glasses and looks at Elis.] The wolf, the angry wolf—eh? The rod—the rod—the giant of the mountains, who does not eat children—only scares them—eh? And I shall scare you—yes, out of your senses. Every piece of furniture must come out and I have the warrant in my pocket. And if there isn't enough—you'll go to jail, where neither sun nor stars shine.—Yes, I can eat children and widows when I am irritated.—And as for public opinion? Bah! I'll let that go hang. I have only to move to another city. [Elis is silent.] You had a friend who is called Peter. He is a debater and was your student in oratory. But you wanted him to be a sort of prophet.—Well, he was faithless. He crowed twice, didn't he? [Elis is silent.]
LINDKVIST. Human nature is as uncertain as things and thought. Peter was faithless—I don't deny it, and I won't defend him—in that. But the heart of mankind is fathomless, and there is always some gold to be found. Peter was a faithless friend, but a friend nevertheless.