Hovstad.
I think so—if you have the Messenger to back you up.
Aslaksen.
In a free community the press is a power, Doctor.
Dr. Stockmann.
Yes, indeed; and so is public opinion. And you, Mr. Aslaksen—I suppose you will answer for the House-owners' Association?
Aslaksen.
Both for the House-owners' Association and the Temperance Society. You may make your mind easy.
Dr. Stockmann.
But, gentlemen—really I'm quite ashamed to mention such a thing—but—what return?
Hovstad.
Of course, we should prefer to give you our support for nothing. But the Messenger is not very firmly established; it's not getting on as it ought to; and I should be very sorry to have to stop the paper just now, when there's so much to be done in general politics.
Dr. Stockmann.
Naturally; that would be very hard for a friend of the people like you. [Flaring up.] But I—I am an enemy of the people! [Striding about the room.] Where's my stick? Where the devil is my stick?
