What is it, Claus?
Claus
It’s like this, Mr. Burgomaster; I’ve been thinking things over. I’m an old man, I shall be sixty-three by the end of next month. I’m a widower, Mr. Burgomaster, and I have no children. I suffer a good deal; and my life, which is nearly finished, isn’t worth much, Mr. Burgomaster. So I said to myself, Mr. Burgomaster, “Claus, old man, seeing that you were found near the Lieutenant who was killed, it would perhaps be better if you did not say that it wasn’t you who killed him.”
Otto
Then you admit that you killed him?
Claus
No, Mr. Otto, I can’t admit that I killed him, because I didn’t. I have only to say nothing next time they accuse me. Or else I will ask the Major to have me shot instead of the Burgomaster. The Burgomaster’s life is necessary to everybody here, especially at this time, whereas mine is no longer of much use to anybody.
Otto
You see? It’s exactly what I said. There’s no more ground for hesitation. This good man understands his duty and yours better than you do. Claus, old fellow, give me your hand.
Claus