KRUEGER

[Literally charged with rage, explodes:] I've been robbed, your honour.

[Getting his breath, he wipes the perspiration from his forehead with a handkerchief and, after the manner of people with impaired hearing, stares straight at the mouth of the justice.

WEHRHAHN

Robbed, eh?

KRUEGER

[Already exasperated.] Robbed is what I said. I have been robbed. Two whole loads of wood have been stolen from me.

WEHRHAHN

[Looking around at those present, half-smiling, says lightly:] Not the least thing of that kind has happened here recently.

KRUEGER