1st Citizen. That doesn't matter; Dr. Stockmann's not the chap to be afraid.
3rd Citizen. But he is in the wrong; it said so in the “People’s Messenger.”
2nd Citizen. Yes, I expect he must be in the wrong this time, because neither the Householders’ Association nor the Citizens’ Club would lend him their hall for his meeting.
1st Citizen. He couldn’t even get the loan of the hall at the Baths.
2nd Citizen. No, I should think not.
A Man in another part of the crowd. I say—who are we to back up in this?
Another Man, beside him. Watch Aslaksen, and do as he does.
Billing (pushing his way through the crowd, with a writing-case under his arm). Excuse me, gentlemen—do you mind letting me through? I am reporting for the “People’s Messenger.” Thank you very much! (He sits down at the table on the left.)
A Workman. Who was that?
Second Workman. Don’t you know him? It’s Billing, who writes for Aslaksen’s paper.