"That is why I think it must have been done by some person more or less imbecile," said Axel; "otherwise one of the good buildings, whose destruction would really have harmed me, would have been chosen."
"He must be hunted down, imbecile or not," said Dellwig.
"I shall do my duty," said Axel stiffly.
"You may rely on my help," said Dellwig.
"You are very good," said Axel.
Dellwig's voice had something ominous about it that made Anna shiver. What a detestable man he was, always and at all times. His whole manner to-night struck her as specially offensive. "What will be done to the poor wretch when he is caught?" she asked Axel.
"He will be imprisoned," Dellwig answered promptly.
She turned her back on him. "Even though he is half-witted?" she said to Axel. "Are you obliged to look for him? Can't you leave him alone? He has done you a service, after all."
"I must look for him," said Axel; "it is my duty as Amtsvorsteher."
"And the gracious Miss should consider——" shouted Dellwig from behind.