[_Somewhat relieved._] Ah, so you are really acquainted with him? I'm very glad indeed to hear that. That makes the whole matter easier of adjustment and lays a foundation for mutual confidence. It serves to remove any possible obstacle.--You wrote me in your letter, you recall, that you had had the opportunity of observing this Dr. Fleischer. Now tell me, please, what you know. MOTES [_Coughs._] When I--about a year ago--took up my residence in the Villa Krueger, I had naturally no suspicion of the character of the people with whom I was to dwell under one roof. WEHRHAHN Yon were acquainted with neither Krueger nor Fleischer? MOTES No; but you know how things go. Living in one house with them I couldn't keep to myself entirely. WEHRHAHN And what kind of people visited the house? MOTES [_With a significant gesture._] Ah! WEHRHAHN I understand. MOTES Tom, Dick and Harry--democrats, of course. WEHRHAHN Were regular meetings held? MOTES Every Thursday, so far as I could learn. WEHRHAHN That will certainly bear watching.--And you no longer associate with those people? MOTES A point was reached where intercourse with them became impossible, your honour. WEHRHAHN You were repelled, eh? MOTES The whole business became utterly repulsive to me. WEHRHAHN The unlawful atmosphere that obtained there, the impudent jeering at exalted personages--all that, I take it, you could no longer endure? MOTES I stayed simply because I thought it might serve some good purpose. WEHRHAHN But finally you gave notice after all? MOTES I moved out, yes, your honour. WEHRHAHN And finally you made up your mind to-- MOTES I considered it my duty-- WEHRHAHN To lodge notice with the authorities.--I consider that very worthy in you.--So he used a certain kind of expression--we will make a record of all that later, of course--a certain kind of expression in reference to a personage whose exalted station demands our reverence. MOTES He certainly did that, your honour. WEHRHAHN You would be willing, if necessary, to confirm that by oath. MOTES I would be willing to confirm it. WEHRHAHN In fact, you will be obliged to make such confirmation. MOTES Yes, your honour. WEHRHAHN Of course it would be best if we could procure an additional witness. MOTES I would have to look about. The trouble is, though, that the man is very prodigal of his money. WEHRHAHN Ah, just wait a minute. Krueger is coming in now. I will first attend to his business. At all events I am very grateful to you for your active assistance. One is absolutely dependent on such assistance if one desires to accomplish anything nowadays. KRUEGER [_Enters hastily and excitedly._] O Lord, O Lord! Good day, your honour. WEHRHAHN [_To MOTES._] Pardon me just a moment. [_In an arrogant and inquisitorial tone to KRUEGER._] What is it you want?