HASSENREUTER
Yes, it's easy for you to say that. I'm like a hunted animal, my dear fellow …
SPITTA
And yet I would like to beg for a minute of your precious time. I can't but look upon this unexpected meeting as a kind of providential arrangement. In short: may I put a question to you?
HASSENREUTER
[With his eyes on his watch, which he has just been winding.] One minute exactly. By the watch, my good fellow!
SPITTA
Both my question and your answer need hardly take that long.
HASSENREUTER
Well, then!