Whilst plotting vengeance thus in his heart, Göbel sought his master and shaped his conversation in this wise:
"Herr Bürgermeister, this will be a somewhat difficult business, this execution."
"How so?" inquired his master.
"Why, according to law," answered his servant, "young Leo will have to take the life of his own father."
"Well, what of that?" said the burgomaster.
"They say he is a young man of spirit, and he might refuse to take his father's life."
"Refuse! would he? The law will force him."
"But if he is obstinate and persists? He is a young man of spirit."
"Ugh! I hate these young men of spirit, they are always making trouble and subverting order. Well, if he makes a disturbance, he will be imprisoned, that's all."
"Yes, yes, of course; but for all that, if he positively refuses to lift his arm against his father, the law cannot force him to do it."