[Rising.] Well—if he feels that way—better not force him, Mother Kneirtje; I understand how he feels, my father didn’t die in his bed, either—but if you begin to reason that way the whole fishery goes up the spout.

Kneir.

[Angrily.] It’s enough to——

Bos.

Softly—softly—You don’t catch tipsy herrings with force——

Jo.

[Laughing.] Tipsy herring, I would like to see that!

Bos.

[Laughing.] She doesn’t believe it, Kneir! We know better! Eh, what!

Kneir.