THE BURGOMASTER I don’t mind, but I don’t expect much: the poor man evidently knows nothing, or he would have told me already. Between ourselves, do you think the Major was speaking seriously? Does he really mean to place me in this awful dilemma and condemn me to death if I refuse to surrender an innocent man? OTTO You stand no chance whatever that way. I have never known him to go back upon a decision which he has once taken. There is no hope of that at all; but there is every hope elsewhere. We will all of us set to work. You begin by questioning Claus; I’ll go and see my men. ISABELLE And may I go out? OTTO What for? ISABELLE You can’t expect me to sit quiet while my father’s life is at stake! I want to go into the town, to see people, talk to them, ask them questions, to do something!... Surely our united efforts.... OTTO Very well, come with me, I’ll get the permit. THE BURGOMASTER Is Claus there? OTTO He’s under arrest and guarded by my men; I’ll send him to you. (_Exit with_ ISABELLE.) THE SECRETARY I will leave you also, Mr. Burgomaster. I must go and see the sheriffs and councillors. Perhaps they can take steps or interfere in some way.... THE BURGOMASTER Yes, my dear Pierre, go. (_Shakes hands with him._) There are bad moments in a man’s life.... But here is Claus. Leave me with him. (_Exit the_ SECRETARY. _Enter_ CLAUS, _with his clothes torn and his head covered with bruises and scratches._) CLAUS Good-morning, Mr. Burgomaster. THE BURGOMASTER Well, my poor Claus? Why, what have they been doing to you? You’re bleeding at the mouth and forehead. CLAUS There’s no great harm done, Mr. Burgomaster. They knocked me about a bit, because I didn’t at once understand what they wanted with me; but there’s no great harm done. Luckily I had on an old shirt and my third-best trousers. THE BURGOMASTER You know what you’re accused of? CLAUS Yes, Mr. Burgomaster; I didn’t understand at first, but Mr. Otto has explained. THE BURGOMASTER You and I have worked together for over forty years, my dear old Claus, and neither of us has anything to say against the other. Do you trust me? CLAUS Yes, Mr. Burgomaster. THE BURGOMASTER Then tell me all you know. Speak without fear. I give you my word that whatever you say will remain between ourselves. CLAUS