WILLIAM.
That, he said, was an honor to both masters and servants; but before the court nothing could be based on it.
FORESTER.
But he does not know that Stein wants to depose me, because I had his best interests at heart, that the forest is exposed on the north and west. A lawyer does not know that a forest is like a vault, where one stone always holds and supports the others. Thus the vault can withstand any force, but take out only a dozen stones from the centre, and the whole thing comes tumbling about your ears.
WILLIAM.
At such arguments he only shrugged his shoulders.
FORESTER (growing more excited).
And my money that I have put into it? And all the trees that I planted with my own hands? Hey? Which the wind now shall wantonly break?
WILLIAM.
At that he only smiled. He said you might be a very honest man, but in court that would prove nothing.