Yes, but these fellows won’t collapse at the first blow.

Billing.

True enough; but we’ll keep on hammering away, blow after blow, till the whole officialdom comes crashing down. As I sat in there reading that article, I seemed to hear the revolution thundering afar.

Hovstad.

[Turning round.] Hush! Don’t let Aslaksen hear that.

Billing.

[In a lower voice.] Aslaksen’s a white-livered, cowardly fellow, without a spark of manhood in him. But this time you’ll surely carry your point? Eh? You’ll print the Doctor’s paper?

Hovstad.

Yes, if only the Burgomaster doesn’t give in——

Billing.