I have good reasons for
hurrying on the work. Have you seen today's paper? Well, then
you know the pranks these American sailors have been up to again.
The rascally pack are turning the whole town upside down. Not a
night passes without some brawling in the taverns or the streets-
-not to speak of other abominations.
Aune: Yes, they certainly are a bad lot.
Bernick: And who is it that has to bear the blame for all this
disorder? It is I! Yes, it is I who have to suffer for it. These
newspaper fellows are making all sorts of covert insinuations
because we are devoting all our energies to the "Palm Tree." I,
whose task in life it is to influence my fellow-citizens by the
force of example, have to endure this sort of thing cast in my
face. I am not going to stand that. I have no fancy for having my
good name smirched in that way.
Aune: Your name stands high enough to endure that and a great
deal more, sir.
Bernick: Not just now. At this particular moment I have need of
all the respect and goodwill my fellow-citizens can give me. I
have a big undertaking on, the stocks, as you probably have
heard; but, if it should happen that evil-disposed persons
succeeded in shaking the absolute confidence I enjoy, it might
land me in the greatest difficulties.
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