ignore the fact that, in spite of his military past, the incredible stiffness of the gentleman's bearing was not natural, and that his eyes were glassy. Just as Diederich came to this conclusion the gentleman took his little green hat and shook the water out of it onto Diederich's dress shirt front. This drew a protest which the gentleman took in very bad part. "I am at your disposal," he snarled. "Herren von Quitzin and von Wulckow will call upon you as my seconds." He blinked strenuously at these words, and Diederich, upon whom an awful suspicion was dawning, forgot his anger, his sole thought being to get the first lieutenant out through the door. "We'll talk outside," he whispered to him, and to Sotbier, on the other side: "The man is helplessly drunk. I'll have to see how I can get rid of him." But Sötbier's lips were pressed together, his brow wrinkled, and this time he did not return to his letter.
The gentleman went straight out into the rain; Diederich following him. "No offence meant; we can talk things over." It was not until he was wet through that he succeeded in piloting the gentleman back into the house. Through the empty machine room the first lieutenant yelled: "A glass of brandy; I'll buy everything, including the brandy!" Although the workmen had the day off, on account of the wedding, Diederich looked anxiously around. He opened the little room where the sacks of chlorine were kept, and got the gentleman inside With a desperate shove. The stench was awful. The gentleman sniffed several times, and then said: "My name is Karnauke. Why do you stink so?"
"Who is backing you?" asked Diederich. This also irritated the gentleman. "What do you mean to insinuate? … Oh, I see. I'll buy the whole show." Following Diederich's glance he gazed at his dripping, light summer coat, "Temporarily embarrassed," he growled. "Am acting for honourable parties. Genuine offer."
"How much are you commissioned to offer?"
"A hundred and twenty for the lot."
