_] What
is this important observation which you have made?
FLEISCHER
Of course, if you have previously made up your mind to attach no
importance to my evidence, I should prefer ...
WEHRHAHN
[_Quickly and arrogantly._] What would you prefer?
FLEISCHER
To hold my peace.
WEHRHAHN
[_Turns to MOTES with a look expressive of inability to understand
FLEISCHER'S motives. Then, in a changed tone, with very superficial
interest._] My time is rather fully occupied. I would request you to be
as brief as possible.
FLEISCHER
My time is no less preempted. Nevertheless I considered it my duty ...
WEHRHAHN
[_Interrupting._] You considered it your duty. Very well. Now tell us
what you know.
FLEISCHER
[_Conquering himself._] I went boating yesterday. I had taken Mrs.
Wolff's boat and her daughter was rowing.
WEHRHAHN
Are these details necessarily pertinent to the business in hand?
FLEISCHER
They certainly are--in my opinion.
WEHRHAHN
[_Drumming impatiently on the table._] Very well! Very well! Let's get
on!
FLEISCHER
We rowed to the neighbourhood of the locks. A lighter lay at anchor
there. The ice, we were able to observe, was piled up there.
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