"May I request you now," said Schrotter in his turn, "to ask the
witness Patke if for the last few weeks he has not been a candidate
for a post as detective on the political police staff?" Schrotter
too had made a variety of inquiries since last Sunday, and had
learned this fact.
"That is so," stammered Patke, turning very red. "In these terrible
times, when the Socialists and the enemies of the country--"
"Silence, Herr Patke," interrupted the magistrate angrily; "that has
nothing to do with the business on hand." He reflected for awhile,
and then said with the most deeply grudging manner--"The statement
of the one witness--seeing too that it is indefinite in some
important points--is not sufficient to warrant me in passing a
sentence, in spite of many good grounds for suspicion afforded by
your past history and known opinions. I will therefore dismiss the
charge, if only to avoid the public scandal of a Member being
accused of lese majeste."
Schrotter was boiling with rage, and had the greatest difficulty in
restraining his naturally passionate temper. "Many thanks for your
kindness," he said in a choking voice, "and for this scoundrel you
have no reprimand?"
"Sir," screamed the magistrate, springing out of his chair with
fury, "leave this room instantly; and you, Herr Patke, if you wish
to bring an action for libel against the gentleman you may call upon
me as a witness.
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