The Burgomaster
What, Otto? Impossible! Were you told that? Did you see him?
Jean Gilson
I didn’t see him, but that’s what I was told. There were three officers at Winkel, a major and two lieutenants; Otto Hilmer was one. I hear that he said he was coming to occupy Stilemonde with a detachment of the 62nd Foot.
The Burgomaster
Yes, he was a lieutenant in the reserve. It’s odd that he should have dared.... But no, in point of fact he’s right. He has done the right thing, he will arrange matters and we shall have nothing to fear. All the same, it’s rather extraordinary. My own son-in-law comes into my town as a conqueror, booted and helmeted, with his sword drawn, after violating the frontier of his adopted country.... However, it’s war; and he can’t help it. He’s not responsible and he can’t do what he likes. Besides, it’s all the better for us: as long as he’s here, we’ve nothing to be afraid of.... How are they behaving at Winkel? I hope they haven’t done much harm?
Jean Gilson
They hadn’t when I left. They took the burgomaster, the priest and the notary as hostages and declared that they would kill them if a single shot was fired in the village.
The Burgomaster
They won’t do that, thanks to Otto. Otto is a kind-hearted chap, who wouldn’t hurt a soul. Besides, I feel certain that their massacres and atrocities have been greatly exaggerated; after all, they’re not savages.