Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 6).djvu/307

 Bernick.

At last! But the American, the Indian Girl, that has been lying here five weeks, and

Aune.

The American? I sort of understood that we was to do all we could to get your own ship out of hand first.

Bernick.

I have given you no reason for such an idea. You should have made all possible progress with the American too; but you have done nothing.

Aune.

The vessel's bottom is as rotten as matchwood, Consul; the more we patch at it the worse it gets.

Bernick.

That is not the real reason. Krap has told me the whole truth. You don't understand how to work the new machines I have introduced—or rather, you won't work with them.

Aune.

I'm getting on in years, Consul Bernick—nigh upon sixty. From a boy I've been used to the old ways

Bernick.

They are quite inadequate nowadays. You mustn't think, Aune, that it's a question of mere profit; luckily I could do without that; but I must consider the community I live in, and the business I have to manage. It is from me that progress must come, or it will never come at all.