"What do you say to it?"
"I say ... I say that it's most annoying.... They're in a very bad temper as it is, on the other side. This means trouble for me."
"Why?"
"Well, of course. Haven't you heard that they're beginning to accuse me of encouraging the German deserters?"
"Nonsense!"
"I tell you, they are. It seems that there's a secret desertion-office in these parts. I'm supposed to be at the head of it. And you, you are the heart and soul of it."
"Oh, they can't stand me at any price!"
"Nor me either. Weisslicht, the German commissary at Börsweilen, has sworn a mortal hatred against me. We cut each other now when we meet. There's not a doubt but that he is responsible for the calumnies."
"But what proofs do they put forward?"