So they have had a regular stand-up fight, Andrew and Robert! But what do you intend to do now? As a dismissed man? If that fellow says: "I challenged the poacher, he did not throw down his gun?" You know better than any one that a hunter may then shoot. He is not even obliged to challenge; if he only hits the mark, he is also in the right. And whoever, like your Andrew, has fallen the height of two stories from the rock into the water, his tongue will cease wagging even without powder and lead. You know the law, as it is nowadays. And they will lock you up into the bargain because of insubordination. I am sorry for you. I should not like to be you. Hey?
FORESTER.
The thunderstorm has already passed the Lautenberg, do you hear? If you delay any longer you will be caught in the rain.
WEILER.
There was lightning some time ago. As I came along the hill with the larch-firs, the whole country was lighted up. Then I saw Robert still walking up and down by the willows below.
[FORESTER goes to the door so that WEILER may see he is waiting for his departure.]
WEILER.
Are you going once more to the lawyer? That might do some good if you were an official of the state. But what are you going to do when you are not?
FORESTER.
Nothing.