Stroebel.  You are surprised, I presume, that I come here at this unusual hour.

Beermann.  Why should I be surprised?

Stroebel.  You will have to pardon me.  The matter which brings me here is unusual and urgent.

Beermann.  Oh, don’t mention it. [A short pause.  They both clear their throats.]

Stroebel.  You were in my office this morning ...

Beermann.  Was I?

Stroebel.  Why, of course you were in my office this morning.

Beermann.  Oh, yes, yes.  I remember we had a short conference.  I must ask you to excuse me, Herr Assessor.  I am suffering with an awful ringing in the ears.  It makes me so forgetful.

Stroebel.  But I hope you still remember what we spoke about.

Beermann.  Very dimly.  If you would remind me of it perhaps it will not be so difficult.

Stroebel.  You came on account of the Hauteville case.

Beermann.  So-o?

Stroebel.  Or the Hochstetter ...

Beermann.  Well, since you say so, it must be so.

Stroebel.  First I thought you came to express your satisfaction that we had caught this person ...

Beermann.  No, that was not my purpose.

Stroebel.  I am sure it wasn’t.  I was quite surprised that you were not satisfied with her arrest.

Beermann.  Why shouldn’t I not be satisfied with her arrest?

Stroebel [nervously].  But, Herr Beermann, you will recollect how we discussed the diary.

Beermann [quickly].  A diary?  I know nothing about it.

Stroebel.  You even became quite excited about it.

Beermann.  I know nothing whatever of any diary.  You never showed me any book at all.  Of that I am very positive.

Stroebel [in despair].  It is just my confounded luck to find you in this predicament.  You are evidently suffering.

Beermann.  An awful ringing in my ears—­

Stroebel.  I would leave you at once if the least delay were possible.  But I simply must speak to you about it tonight.  Can’t you get relief by taking medicine?

Beermann.  No medicine can help me.  I can only tell you that I do not know anything about any diary.

Stroebel.  Lord, Lord, leave the diary out of it altogether.  It is absolutely of no importance.

Beermann.  It is of no importance?

Stroebel.  Of course, it is safely locked in my desk ...

Beermann.  Is that so?  Well, then I can’t understand why you hurried to see me tonight.

Stroebel [very embarrassed].  But that is exactly what I wanted to explain to you.  But how shall I do it?  You scarcely remember any more than that you were in my office this morning.  It is incredible how misfortune has been persecuting me since noon.