Aslaksen.

When a man has solid interests to protect, he can’t think of everything, Mr. Hovstad.

Hovstad.

Then I hope I may never have solid interests to protect.

Billing.

Hear, hear!

Aslaksen.

[Smiling.] H'm! [Points to the desk.] Governor Stensgård[[10]] sat in that editorial chair before you.

Billing.

[Spitting.] Pooh! A turncoat like that!