Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/63

 feed-pipes of the Pump-Room; and the same accursëd poisonous refuse oozes out by the beach

Hovstad.

Where the sea-baths are?

Dr. Stockmann.

Exactly.

Hovstad.

But how are you so sure of all this, Doctor?

Dr. Stockmann.

I've investigated the whole thing as conscientiously as possible. I've long had my suspicions about it. Last year we had some extraordinary cases of illness among the patients—both typhoid and gastric attacks

Mrs. Stockmann.

Yes, I remember.

Dr. Stockmann.

We thought at the time that the visitors had brought the infection with them; but afterwards—last winter—I began to question that. So I set about testing the water as well as I could.

Mrs. Stockmann.

It was that you were working so hard at!

Dr. Stockmann.

Yes, you may well say I've worked, Katrina. But here, you know, I hadn't the necessary scientific appliances; so I sent samples both of our drinking-water and of our sea-water