It was completely repaired—to all appearance; plastered up; looked as good as new. I heard that Aune himself had been working at it by lantern-light the whole night through. BERNICK. Yes, yes, and then——? KRAP. I was a good deal puzzled. It happened that the workmen were at breakfast, so I could ferret about as I pleased, both outside and inside. It was difficult to get down into the hold, among the cargo; but I saw enough to convince me. There is rascality at work, Consul. BERNICK. I can’t believe it, Mr. Krap. I cannot and will not believe such a thing of Aune. KRAP. I’m sorry for it, but it’s the simple truth. There is rascality at work, I say. Not a stick of new timber had been put in, so far as I could see. It was only plugged and puttied up, and covered with plates and tarpaulins, and so forth. All bogus! The _Indian Girl_ will never get to New York. She’ll go to the bottom like a cracked pot. BERNICK. Why, this is horrible! What do you think can be his motive? KRAP. He probably wants to bring the machines into discredit; wants to revenge himself; wants to have the old workmen taken on again. BERNICK. And for that he would send all these men to their death? KRAP. He has been heard to say that the crew of the _Indian Girl_ are brute beasts, not men. BERNICK. Yes, yes, that may be; but does he not think of the great loss of capital? KRAP. Aune is not over-fond of capital, Consul. BERNICK. True enough; he is an agitator and mischief-maker; but such a piece of villainy as this——. I’ll tell you what, Mr. Krap: this affair must be looked into again. Not a word of it to any one. Our yard would lose its reputation if this came to people’s ears. KRAP. Of course, but—— BERNICK. During the dinner-hour you must go down there again; I must have absolute certainty. KRAP. You shall, Consul. But, excuse me, what will you do then? BERNICK. Why, report the case of course. We cannot be accessories to a crime. I must keep my conscience clear. Besides, it will make a good impression on both the press and the public, to see me disregard all personal interests, and let justice take its course. KRAP. Very true, Consul. BERNICK. But, first of all, absolute certainty—and, until then, silence. KRAP. Not a word, Consul; and you shall have absolute certainty. [_He goes out through the garden and down the street._