Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/141

 Hovstad.

[The same.] H'm—

Dr. Stockmann.

Why, here's the top-knot of authority!

[He takes the Burgomaster's official cap carefully between the tips of his fingers and holds it up.

Mrs. Stockmann. The Burgomaster's cap!

Dr. Stockmann.

And here's the staff of office, too! But how in the devil's name did they?

Hovstad. Well then

Dr. Stockmann.

Ah, I understand! He has been here to talk you over. Ha, ha! He reckoned without his host that time! And when he caught sight of me in the printing-room—[Bursts out laughing]—he took to his heels, eh, Mr. Aslaksen?

Aslaksen.

[Hurriedly.] Exactly; he took to his heels, Doctor.

Dr. Stockmann.

Made off without his stick and. No, that won't do! Peter never left anything behind him. But where the devil have you stowed him? Ah—in here, of course. Now you shall see, Katrina

Mrs. Stockmann. Thomas—I implore you!