Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 6).djvu/370

 Johan.

And if I do not strike the blow, I destroy all that makes my own future of value to me.

Lona.

Go on, Karsten.

Bernick.

Then listen. Everything turns upon this question of the railway, and that is not so simple as you think. Of course you have heard that last year there was some talk of a coast-line? It had many powerful advocates in the district, and especially in the press; but I succeeded in blocking it, because it would have injured our steamboat trade along the coast.

Lona.

Have you an interest in this steamboat trade?

Bernick.

Yes; but no one dared to impugn my motives on that account. My spotless name was an ample safeguard. For that matter, I could have borne the loss; but the town could not. Then the inland line was determined on. As soon as the route was fixed, I assured myself secretly that a branch connection between it and the town was practicable.

Lona.

Why secretly, Karsten?

Bernick.

Have you heard any talk of the great buying-up of forests, mines, and water-power?

Johan.

Yes, for a company in some other town