BEERMANN. Where? There is no fire in the house, except in the kitchen range. If I hide it, I shall always have to run to and fro to see if it is there, and I feel less safe if I have it on my person. Then I have always a feeling as though that thing were bulging out my pocket; and the police must be missing it by this time. HAUSER. Oh, tear out the page on which your name appears and send it back anonymously. BEERMANN. Impossible. My name appears on almost every second page. HAUSER. Oh ... so. BEERMANN. What shall I do when the police ask me for the book? HAUSER. There is only one way; you know nothing about it. BEERMANN. But they will be dead certain that I have it. HAUSER. Remain firm. For Heaven's sake don't fall into the trap that by confessing you will improve this fine job. [A loud and prolonged ringing of the electric bell is heard.] BEERMANN [frightened, exclaims]. There, do you hear that? HAUSER. Some visitor, I suppose. BEERMANN. This is no time to make visits. [Anxiously picking up the diary.] What shall I do with the damned thing? [Takes out a volume of the encyclopedia and wants to hide the diary in it but hesitates, and then puts the volume back on the shelf.] Lord, where shall I put it? HAUSER. Come, give it to me. BEERMANN [Gives him the book and Hauser puts it in his side pocket.] HAUSER. No one will search me for it. BEERMANN. Stay here with me ... please. HAUSER. If it gives you any pleasure, yes; but man alive, pull yourself together. Suppose it really were the police; you are trembling all over. [A knock on the door.] BEERMANN [crouching]. Quiet now. [Another knock.] Come in. [Betty comes in from the left and hands Beermann a visiting card.] BETTY. The gentleman says it is very urgent. BEERMANN [with a trembling hand Beermann takes up the visiting card and reads]. Professor Wasner. [He sighs audibly and then says with forced vigor.] Show the gentleman up. [Betty exit.] BEERMANN. And this has been my state of mind for the past six hours. HAUSER [offering him his hand]. Now be brave, my dear friend, and even if they should come to you, just deny it outright. You'll know how to lie. A man of such rare abilities.... Good night. [Goes out on the left. In the doorway, he almost collides with Professor Wasner. They greet each other.] WASNER [wears a cape the left corner thrown picturesquely over his right shoulder, holds a large slouch hat in his hand. His hair is disheveled. His flaxen beard falls on his chest]. I am here in regard to the most remarkable matter a man ever came to consult another about. BEERMANN [very nervous]. Must it be today, Herr Professor? WASNER. The situation permits of no delay. BEERMANN. But it is getting so late.