_
_The action takes place on the same day as that of the first act,
five hours later._
_The conversation suddenly ceases._
_JUSTICE VON WEHRHAHN enters betraying a high degree of official
zeal. He covers his left eye with his left hand as though in pain,
sits down behind the table, takes his hand from his eye, which
twitches painfully, and begins._
WEHRHAHN
Well, what's the result of this wretched mess?
LANGHEINRICH
[_Noticeably stimulated by exertion, whiskey and beer._] I've come to
announce, Baron, that the whole business is burned down.
WEHRHAHN
[_Throwing down on the table an object which he has brought with him. It
is seen to be a photograph in a frame of deer feet._] That's because
you're all only half awake! You're all made that way. Yon drowse around
and do nothing. We're not three miles distant from Berlin; our entire
activity should have a different air!
EDE
[_Softly to DR. BOXER._] The fire did have air enough, eh?
LANGHEINRICH
Your honour....
WEHRHAHN
Never mind. I know all about it.
[_He pulls out his handkerchief, wipes the perspiration from his
forehead and taps his eye._
LANGHEINRICH
Your honour, I'd like to lay claim, humbly, to some credit .
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