"Oh, Lord! Oh, Lord!" lamented Frau Nüssler, "and the laborers are all standing out in the yard, and he has turned me out of the room, I don't know how I came here."
"This is going to extremes!" cried Bräsig, "but compose yourself, Frau Nüssler, I am not afraid of him, I will venture to go in." And he entered the room.
Jochen was walking up and down, rubbing his head. Bräsig sat down near the door, and followed him with his eyes, but did not speak; on the other side of the room sat Bauschan, who also followed his master with his eyes, but did not speak,--it was a very serious business, at least for Jochen and for Bräsig; Bauschan was tolerably composed. At last, Bräsig asked very gently:
"What is the matter, Jochen?"
"I don't know," said Jochen, "my head is so confused; my thoughts are running every way, as when one shakes up a bushel of oats."
"I believe you, Jochen, I believe you," said Bräsig, and looked after him again, as he walked up and down. All at once Jochen stood still, and exclaimed angrily, "How the devil can I think of a speech, with both of you looking at me like that!"
"So! Do you want to make a speech? What do you want to make a speech for?"
"Bräsig, am I any worse than other people? Are my laborers worse than other people's laborers? They want their satisfaction, in these hard times; but I am not exactly fitted for it, the business is too much for me; you are quicker-witted, do me a favor, and make one for me."
"Why not?" said Bräsig, "if it is to do you a favor; but you mustn't disturb me!" and now Bräsig walked up and down the room, and Jochen sat still, and looked at him.
Suddenly the Herr Inspector opened the window, and called: "All come up here!" The day-laborers came up.