Bernick: Not just now. At this particular moment I have need of
all the respect and goodwill my fellow-citizens can give me. I
have a big undertaking on, the stocks, as you probably have
heard; but, if it should happen that evil-disposed persons
succeeded in shaking the absolute confidence I enjoy, it might
land me in the greatest difficulties. That is why I want, at any
price, to avoid these shameful innuendoes in the papers, and that
is why I name the day after tomorrow as the limit of the time I
can give you.

Aune: Mr. Bernick, you might just as well name this afternoon as
the limit.

Bernick: You mean that I am asking an impossibility?

Aune: Yes, with the hands we have now at the yard.

Bernick: Very good; then we must look about elsewhere.

Aune: Do you really mean, sir, to discharge still more of your
old workmen?

Bernick: No, I am not thinking of that.

Aune: Because I think it would cause bad blood against you both
among the townsfolk and in the papers, if you did that.

Bernick: Very probably; therefore, we will not do it. But, if the
"Indian Girl" is not ready to sail the day after tomorrow, I
shall discharge you.