Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/119

 heart still belongs to the people; but I don't deny that my reason inclines somewhat towards the authorities—the local ones, I mean.

[Goes into the printing-room.]

Billing.

Don't you think we should try to get rid of him, Hovstad?

Hovstad.

Do you know of any one else that will pay for our paper and printing?

Billing.

What a confounded nuisance it is to have no capital!

Hovstad.

[Sitting down by the desk.] Yes, if we only had that

Billing.

Suppose you applied to Dr. Stockmann?

Hovstad.

[Turning over his papers.] What would be the good? He hasn't a rap.

Billing.

No; but he has a good man behind him—old Morten Kiil—"The Badger," as they call him.

Hovstad.

[Writing.] Are you so sure he has money?

Billing.

Yes, strike me dead if he hasn't! And part of it must certainly go to Stockmann's family. He's bound to provide for—for the children at any rate.