Werle. But wasn’t it Ekdal who drew up the map of the forest—that falsified map? It was he who carried out the illegal felling of trees on the government lands. Why, it was he who managed the whole business up there. I had no idea of what Lieutenant Ekdal was undertaking.
Gregers. Lieutenant Ekdal himself did not know what he had undertaken.
Werle. Maybe, but the fact remains that he was sentenced and I was acquitted.
Gregers. Yes, I know. Proofs were wanting.
Werle. Acquittal is acquittal. But why rake up all this unfortunate business that turned my hair grey before its time? Have you been brooding over this all these years up at the Works? I can assure you, Gregers, here in town, the story has long been forgotten, as far as I am concerned.
Gregers. But the unfortunate Ekdals?
Werle. Now, really, what would you have had me do for these people? When Ekdal came out he was a broken man, absolutely helpless. There are men on earth who sink to the bottom if they get a few shots in them and who never come to the surface again. You may take my word, Gregers, I went as far as I could without exposing myself, and giving color to all sorts of suspicions and gossip.
Gregers. Suspicions—I see!
Werle. I’ve given Ekdal copying to do for the office, and I pay ever so much more for it than the work is worth.
Gregers (without looking at him). H’m! I do not doubt that.