THE CHAMBERLAIN. The Bank? Oh, yes, about the bill—— RINGDAL. It’s all right; they have never had any bill endorsed by you—— FIELDBO _and_ LUNDESTAD _enter by the back._ FIELDBO. False alarm, Chamberlain! THE CHAMBERLAIN. Indeed? Not at the Savings Bank either? LUNDESTAD. Certainly not. During all the years I’ve been a director I have never once seen your name; except, of course, on your son’s bill. THE CHAMBERLAIN. My son’s bill? LUNDESTAD. Yes, the bill you accepted for him early this spring. THE CHAMBERLAIN. My son? My son? Do you dare to tell me——? LUNDESTAD. Why, bless me, just think a moment; the bill for two thousand dollars drawn by your son—— THE CHAMBERLAIN. [_Groping for a chair._] Oh, my God——! FIELDBO. For heaven’s sake——! RINGDAL. It’s not possible that——! THE CHAMBERLAIN. [_Who has sunk down on a chair._] Quietly, quietly! Drawn by my son, you say? Accepted by me? For two thousand dollars? FIELDBO. [_To_ LUNDESTAD.] And this bill is in the Savings Bank? LUNDESTAD. Not now; it was redeemed last week by Monsen—— THE CHAMBERLAIN. By Monsen——? RINGDAL. Monsen may still be at the works; I’ll go—— THE CHAMBERLAIN. Stop here! DANIEL HEIRE _enters by the back._ HEIRE. Good-morning, gentlemen! Good-morning, Chamberlain! Thank you so much for the delightful evening we spent yesterday. What do you think I’ve just heard——? RINGDAL. Excuse me; we are busy—— HEIRE. So are other people, I can tell you; our friend from Stonelee, for example—— THE CHAMBERLAIN. Monsen? HEIRE. Hee-hee; it’s a pretty story! The electioneering intrigues are in full swing. And what do you think is the last idea? They are going to bribe you, Chamberlain! LUNDESTAD. To bribe——? THE CHAMBERLAIN. They judge the tree by its fruit. HEIRE.