Holtzmann (with a dry smile).

Very much so, your Excellency. I should be sorry to be answerable for all the nonsense I've had to talk and write!

Baron Ludwig.

H'm--just so. Nonsense always wins. Who said that, by the way? Julian the Apostate, wasn't it?

Holtzmann.

No, your Excellency. Talbot.

Baron Ludwig.

Julian might have said it. The losing side always philosophises.

Holtzmann.

I hope we sha'n't be on the losing side.