I will not, father! And if you had seen the spectacle which the people of Wartenstein saw yesterday (_shudders_), you would demand nothing more of life for me than a half-respectable death.... Major (_brokenly_). Perhaps--they will not--grant you--the duel. Fritz. Well, if we have got to that last hope, father, then we are indeed in bad straits.... Shall I perhaps open a dram-shop in Chicago, or a cattle business with my paternal capital? Yes? Would you have done it? Major (_perplexed_). I? Fritz. Say then say! Major (_drawing himself up_). No! (_Sinks down in his chair_.) Fritz. So you see, father--so or so--your Fritz is done for. Major (_sunk in gloomy reverie_). My fault!--my---- _NINTH SCENE_. THE SAME. WILHELM. _Afterward_ LIEUTENANT VON HALLERPFORT. Fritz. What is it? Wilhelm. Lieutenant von Hallerpfort wishes to speak to the young master. Fritz. (_Hurrying past him to the door_.) Well? (Hallerpfort _shakes hands with him and the_ Major, _and casts a glance at_ Wilhelm, _who forthwith disappears_.) Fritz. Well? Hallerpfort. Does your father know? Major. Yes, my dear Hallerpfort, I know.--Granted? Hallerpfort. To-morrow morning, half after four o'clock behind the large drill-ground. Fritz. Thank God! Major. Thank God! (_They embrace_.) Fritz (_disengaging himself_). Conditions? Hallerpfort. Fifteen paces--advance--five paces barrier--exchange of shots---- Fritz. To a finish? Hallerpfort. To a finish. Fritz. Very well! (Major _turns toward the door, and presses his hands to his face_.) Hallerpfort (_approaching him_). Major, as your son's best friend---- Major (_grasping his hands_). I thank you, my dear Hallerpfort, I thank you.... You will ride away at once, will you not? Hallerpfort. Unfortunately we must, Major. Major. Then just listen.... I will pass the hours until the duel, with my son.... That you can understand, can't you?... My carriage is hitched up but I cannot go away with you for fear of making my sick wife uneasy. Wait for me at the end of half an hour in Schrander's inn.... Don't fear. We shall be on time.... Hallerpfort. It will be as you order, Major.