BEERMANN. Although you know that thus public decency will be undermined. [Stroebel shrugs his shoulders.] Although the State will suffer by it?
STROEBEL [again shrugs his shoulders]. Well ...
BEERMANN. The Administration knows very well the sort of conservative element there is in the Society for the Suppression of Vice.
STROEBEL. Yes, and values it highly.
BEERMANN. Let us suppose—I do not know if it be so—but let us just suppose that only one member of the Society once had a weak little moment and his name were in this book ...
STROEBEL [energetically]. Then he would be summoned to court without regard or mercy.
BEERMANN. And the whole Society would be made ridiculous and would go up in the air.
STROEBEL [shrugs his shoulders]. Well ...
BEERMANN [shouts]. That is the height of folly, I tell you!
STROEBEL [instructively]. It is the fulfilment of our duty. You are a layman. With you sentiments play an important part. We, the police, on the other hand are compelled to sacrifice our feelings to our duty.