STROEBEL. But you are always contradicting yourself. First you say yes, and then you say no.
REISACHER. I beg your pardon, Herr Assessor Stroebel. I wanted to say that in the Police Department it is like this: Everything you do is all right, if it turns out all right.
STROEBEL [turns back to his desk]. You will never learn to formulate a thought precisely.
REISACHER [also turns]. All right, Herr Stroebel.
(Short pause. Stroebel reads. Reisacher writes. A commotion is heard through the middle door, which, is thrown open and Ninon De Hauteville enters. Behind her a policeman, who holds her tightly by the arm. She tries to free herself.)
HAUTEVILLE. [she wears a large picture hat, and is highly perfumed]. Keep your hands off me. I haven't killed anyone. Please, let me go.
STROEBEL [he has risen]. What's the matter?
POLICE OFFICER. [releasing her, stands at attention]. Have the honor sir, to report this disreputable woman—the Hochstetter person.
HAUTEVILLE. Please, help me, sir. I am being handled like the commonest criminal.
STROEBEL. Why do you keep that hat on? You are not paying us a visit?