What can they want with him?

Hilmar.

Oh, it’s very appropriate company. They say he has been a slave-dealer or a pirate; and who knows what that couple have turned their hands to in all these years.

Bernick.

I tell you, such innuendoes are utterly unjust.

Hilmar.

Yes, you are an optimist. But here we have them upon us again of course; so I shall get away in time.

[Goes towards the door on the left.

Lona Hessel enters from the right.

Lona.