Tjaelde (walking up and down). I will go and see him—or rather, I won't go and see him; because this is evidently something that—. We have some days' grace yet, haven't we?
Sannaes. Yes, sir.
Tjaelde. And still no telegram from Mr. Lind?
Sannaes. No, sir.
Tjaelde (to himself). I can't understand it. (Aloud.) We will negotiate this matter direct with Christiania, Sannaes. That is what we will do—and leave these little local banks alone in future. That will do, Sannaes! (Makes a gesture of dismissal. Then says to himself:) That damned Möller! It has made them all suspicious! (Turns round and sees SANNAES still there.) What are you waiting for?
Sannaes. It is settling day—and I have no money in the safe.
Tjaelde. No money in the safe! A big business like this, and nothing in the safe on settling day! What kind of management is that, I should like to know? Must I teach you the A B C of business over and over again? One can never take a half day off, or hand over the control! of the tiniest part of the business—! I have no one, absolutely no one, that I can rely on! How have you let things get into such a state?
Sannaes. Well, there was a third bill, which expired to-day—Holm and Co., for £400. I had relied upon the bank, unfortunately—so there was nothing for it but to empty the safe—here and at the brewery as well.
Tjaelde (walking about restlessly). Hm—hm—hm!—Now, who can have put that into Holst's head?—Very well, that will do. (Dismisses SANNAES, who goes out but comes back immediately.)
Sannaes (whispering). Here is Mr. Berent!