Look here, Wittig. You've always jawed such a lot about the French Revolution, and a good deal too about your own doings. A time may be coming, and that before long, when every one will have a chance to show whether he's a braggart or a true man. WITTIG [_Flaring up angrily._] Say another word if you dare! Has you heard the whistle o' bullets? Has you done outpost duty in an enemy's country? JAEGER You needn't get angry about it. We're comrades. I meant no harm. WITTIG None of your comradeship for me, you impudent young fool. _Enter KUTSCHE, the policeman._ SEVERAL VOICES Hush--sh! Police! [_This calling goes on for some time, till at last there is complete silence, amidst which KUTSCHE takes his place at the central pillar table._ KUTSCHE A small brandy, please. [_Again complete silence._] WITTIG I suppose you've come to see if we're all behavin' ourselves, Kutsche? KUTSCHE [_Paying no attention to WITTIG._] Good-morning, Mr. Wiegand. WIEGAND [_Still in the corner in front of the counter._] Good morning t'you. KUTSCHE How's trade? WIEGAND Thank you, much as usual. BECKER The chief constable's sent him to see if we're spoilin' our stomach on these big wages we're gettin'. [_Laughter._ JAEGER I say, Welzel, you will tell him how we've been feastin' on roast pork an' sauce an' dumplings and sauerkraut, and now we're sittin' at our champagne wine. [_Laughter._ WELZEL. The world's upside down with them to-day. KUTSCHE An' even if you had the champagne wine and the roast meat, you wouldn't be satisfied. I've to get on without champagne wine as well as you. BECKER [_Referring to KUTSCHE'S nose._] He waters his beet-root with brandy and gin. An' it thrives on it too. [_Laughter._ WITTIG A p'liceman like that has a hard life. Now it's a starving beggar boy he has to lock up, then it's a pretty weaver girl he has to lead astray; then he has to get roarin' drunk an' beat his wife till she goes screamin' to the neighbours for help; and there's the ridin' about on horseback and the lyin' in bed till nine--nay, faith, but it's no easy job! KUTSCHE Jaw away; you'll jaw a rope round your neck in time. It's long been known what sort of a fellow you are. The magistrates knows all about that rebellious tongue o' yours, I know who'll drink wife and child into the poorhouse an' himself into gaol before long, who it is that'll go on agitatin' and agitatin' till he brings down judgment on himself and all concerned. WITTIG