Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 6).djvu/361

 Bernick.

What do you mean? Is there any such rumour about?

Hilmar.

Yes, over the whole town. I heard it at the club. They say that one of our lawyers has been secretly commissioned to buy up all the forests, all the mining rights, all the water-power

Bernick.

And is it known for whom?

Hilmar.

They thought at the club that it must be for a syndicate from some other town that had got wind of your scheme, and had rushed in before the prices rose. Isn't it disgraceful? Ugh!

Bernick.

Disgraceful?

Hilmar.

Yes, that outsiders should trespass on our preserves in that way. And that one of our own lawyers could lend himself to such a transaction! Now all the profit will go to strangers.

Bernick

But this is only a vague rumour.

Hilmar.

People believe it, at any rate; and to-morrow or next day you may look for some editorial comments on the fact. Every one is indignant about it already. I heard several people say that if this rumour is confirmed they will strike their names off the lists.