quill-driver in those days, sir?

Bernick: I did not send for you to argue with you. I sent for you
to tell you that the "Indian Girl" must be ready to put to sea
the day after tomorrow.

Aune: But, Mr. Bernick--

Bernick: The day after tomorrow, do you hear?--at the same time
as our own ship, not an hour later. I have good reasons for
hurrying on the work. Have you seen today's paper? Well, then
you know the pranks these American sailors have been up to again.
The rascally pack are turning the whole town upside down. Not a
night passes without some brawling in the taverns or the streets-
-not to speak of other abominations.

Aune: Yes, they certainly are a bad lot.

Bernick: And who is it that has to bear the blame for all this
disorder? It is I! Yes, it is I who have to suffer for it. These
newspaper fellows are making all sorts of covert insinuations
because we are devoting all our energies to the "Palm Tree." I,
whose task in life it is to influence my fellow-citizens by the
force of example, have to endure this sort of thing cast in my
face. I am not going to stand that. I have no fancy for having my
good name smirched in that way.

Aune: Your name stands high enough to endure that and a great
deal more, sir.