I hope so. The wind is fair. In three weeks I shall be in New York—if the _Indian Girl_ doesn’t go to the bottom. BERNICK. [_Starting._] Go to the bottom? Why should the _Indian Girl_ go to the bottom? JOHAN. That’s just what I say. BERNICK. [_Almost inaudibly._] Go to the bottom? JOHAN. Well, Bernick, now you know what you have to expect; you must do what you can in the mean-time. Good-bye! Give my love to Betty, though she certainly has not received me in a very sisterly fashion. But Martha I must see. She must tell Dina—she must promise me—— [_He goes out by the second door on the left._ BERNICK. [_To himself._] The _Indian Girl_——? [_Quickly._] Lona, you must prevent this! LONA. You see yourself, Karsten—I have lost all power over him. [_She follows_ JOHAN _into the room on the left._ BERNICK. [_In unquiet thought._] Go to the bottom——? AUNE _enters from the right._ AUNE. Asking your pardon, Consul, might I speak to you——? BERNICK. [_Turns angrily._] What do you want? AUNE. I wanted, if I might, to ask you a question, Consul Bernick. BERNICK. Well, well; be quick. What is it about? AUNE. I wanted to know if you’re still determined—firmly determined—to turn me adrift if the _Indian Girl_ should not be ready for sea to-morrow? BERNICK. What now? The ship _will_ be ready for sea. AUNE. Yes—she will. But supposing as she wasn’t—should I have to go? BERNICK. Why ask such useless questions? AUNE. I want to make quite sure, Consul. Just answer me: should I have to go? BERNICK. Am I in the habit of changing my mind? AUNE. Then to-morrow I should have lost the place that rightly belongs to me in my home and family—lost my influence among the workmen—lost all my chances of helping them as are lowly and down-trodden? BERNICK. We have discussed that point long ago, Aune. AUNE. Then the Indian Girl must sail. [_A short pause._ BERNICK. Listen: I cannot look after everything myself, and be responsible for everything. I suppose you are prepared to assure me that the repairs are thoroughly carried out? AUNE. It was very short time you gave me, Consul.