WEHRHAHN

[Drumming impatiently on the table.] Very well! Very well! Let's get on!

FLEISCHER

We rowed to the neighbourhood of the locks. A lighter lay at anchor there. The ice, we were able to observe, was piled up there. The lighter had probably not been able to proceed.

WEHRHAHN

H-m. Is that so? That interests us rather less. What is the kernel of this whole story?

FLEISCHER

[Keeping his temper by main force.] I must confess that this method of … I have come here quite voluntarily to offer a voluntary service to the authorities.

GLASENAPP

[Impudently.] His honour is pressed for time. You are to talk less and state what you have to say briefly and compactly.