Claus
Your life? How do you mean, Mr. Burgomaster?
The Burgomaster
I may as well tell you that, if I declare you to be innocent and if I don’t produce the criminal, it’s I who will be shot in your place this evening.
Claus
You, Mr. Burgomaster? Why? You’ve done nothing! It’s impossible; people don’t do such things!
The Burgomaster
Yes, they do, my dear Claus: it’s what they did at Aerschot, what they’ve done everywhere and what they mean to do here as well. Otto himself told me that nothing could prevent it.
Claus
It can’t be possible, Mr. Burgomaster, it would be too unjust!... We shall find the man who did it, or the man himself when he hears, will feel ashamed and will give himself up.... Or else you will be able to escape: Mr. Otto will help you. Something will happen; and I am sure that God will not permit....