Hovstad. And it is much better to have several persons in a thing of that sort; because the responsibility of each individual is lessened, when there are others with him.
Dr. Stockmann (composedly). Come to the point, gentlemen. What do you want?
Aslaksen. Perhaps Mr. Hovstad had better—
Hovstad. No, you tell him, Aslaksen.
Aslaksen. Well, the fact is that, now we know the bearings of the whole affair, we think we might venture to put the "People's Messenger" at your disposal.
Dr. Stockmann. Do you dare do that now? What about public opinion? Are you not afraid of a storm breaking upon our heads?
Hovstad. We will try to weather it.
Aslaksen. And you must be ready to go off quickly on a new tack, Doctor. As soon as your invective has done its work—
Dr. Stockmann. Do you mean, as soon as my father-in-law and I have got hold of the shares at a low figure?
Hovstad. Your reasons for wishing to get the control of the Baths are mainly scientific, I take it.