But Mack was not inclined to persecute a fellow-creature just now; on the contrary, his business was going excellently, and as long as things went well, it pleased him far more to be generous beyond need. A new telegram from the agent in Bergen had informed him that the fish was sold to Russia; if Mack had need of money, money was at his disposal. Altogether, Mack was getting on swimmingly again. When over a week had passed without any change, Rolandsen went down to Mack’s office again. He was worn out with anxiety and uncertainty; he felt he must have a decision. “I’ve been waiting a week, and you haven’t had me arrested yet,” he said. “Young man,” said Mack indulgently, “I have been thinking over your affair....” “Old man,” said Rolandsen violently, “you’ll please to settle it now! You think you can go on for ever and ever and be mightily gracious as long as you please, but I’ll soon put a stop to that. I’ll give myself up to the police.” “Really, this tone,” said Mack, “it’s not what I should have expected from you, considering....” “I’ll show you what you can expect from me,” cried Rolandsen, with unnecessary arrogance. And he flung down his telegrams on the desk. Rolandsen’s big nose looked even more aggressive than usual, since he had got thinner in the face. Mack glanced through the messages. “So you’ve turned inventor?” he said carelessly. But as he read on, he screwed up his eyes intently. “Fish-glue,” said he at last. And then he went through the telegrams once more. “This looks very promising,” he said, looking up. “Am I to understand you’ve been offered all this money for a fish-glue process of your own?” “Yes.” “Then I congratulate you. But surely you must feel it beneath your dignity now to behave rudely towards an old man.” “You’re right there, of course; yes. But I’m all worn out with anxiety. You said you were going to have me arrested, and nothing’s happened.” “Well, I may as well tell you the truth; I meant to do so. But other people interfered.” “Who interfered?” “H’m! You know what women are. There’s that daughter of mine, Elise. And she said no.” “That--that’s very strange,” said Rolandsen. Mack looked at the telegrams once more. “This is excellent,” he said. “Couldn’t you give me some idea of the thing itself?” Rolandsen explained a little of the process. “That means, we’re to some extent competitors,” said Mack. “Not to some extent only. From the moment I’ve sent off my answer, we’re competitors in earnest.” “Eh?” Mack started. “What do you mean? Are you going to set up a factory yourself?” “Yes. There’s water-power higher up, beyond your place, and more of it, and easier to work.” “But that’s Levion’s water.” “I’ve bought it.” Mack wrinkled up his forehead thoughtfully. “Good! We’re competitors, then,” he said. Said Rolandsen, “That means you will lose.”