Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 6).djvu/357

 Krap.

I can explain it in no other way, Consul.

Bernick.

Well then, tell me as shortly as you can

Krap.

I will. You know how things have been dragging in the yard since we got the new machines and the new inexperienced workmen?

Bernick.

Yes, yes.

Krap.

But this morning, when I went down there, I noticed that the repairs on the American had been going at a great rate. The big patch in her bottom—the rotten place, you know

Bernick.

Yes, yes; what about it?

Krap.

It was completly repaired—to all appearance; plastered up; looked as good as new. I heard that Aune himself had been working at it by lantern-light the whole night through.

Bernick.

Yes, yes, and then?

Krap.

I was a good deal puzzled. It happened that the workmen were at breakfast, so I could ferret about as I pleased, both outside and inside. It was difficult to get down into the hold, among the cargo; but I saw enough to convince me. There is rascality at work, Consul.