Vietnam or Thailand ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
Updated: May 20, 2025
"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."
"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.
"On a preposterously unfounded charge," he retorted. "And you too," he turned to Wilhelm. "I can only repeat Dr. Schrotter's answer." "Give your evidence," he ordered the policeman. The man did so. "Could you understand what the gentleman said?" "No." "How far was Patke behind them?" "A few steps." "You must be more exact."
Even the policeman, in spite of his wooden official air, could not repress a smile. Patke continued: "Then I heard the younger gentleman say, 'It serves his majesty the emperor quite right." "Did he actually say, his majesty the emperor?" interrupted the magistrate. "No," answered Patke eagerly, "I say that." "You are only to repeat the gentleman's actual words."
The magistrate grunted several times and then asked, after a pause, during which he was particularly busy with his ear: "You admit the statement, then?" "Not altogether. "Can he have said that?" asked the magistrate, turning to Patke. "I don't know. I only know what I said just now." Renewed grunting, renewed digging in the ear and turning over of papers.
That night at eleven o'clock a slow train bore Wilhelm away from Berlin. At the station he caught sight of the face of his old friend Patke, whom he had come across more than once during that day. The former non-commissioned officer had apparently reached the goal of his ambitions and become a private detective.
"I can't say more exactly than that, for I paid no attention to the gentlemen till I was told to arrest them." "Is it your opinion that Herr Patke could have heard distinctly what the gentlemen were saying to one another?" "I dare say he might have understood if they spoke very loud, but I can't say for certain." "Herr Patke, what have you to say?"
"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." Patke was too modest to avail himself of this friendly offer.
The lieutenant of police began by asking their names. When they told him "Dr. Schrotter, M. D. one of the members for Berlin and Professor Emeritus," and "Dr. Eynhardt, Doctor of Philosophy, householder," he offered them chairs. The informer introduced himself as "non-commissioned officer Patke, retired, member of a military association, and candidate for the private constabulary."
"He actually did say that it served the emperor right." "This is beyond a joke," Schrotter burst out. "Why, man, I wonder the lie does not stick in your throat and choke you!" "I must beg you not to address the witness," said the magistrate brusquely. Then to Patke severely "That is not what you said in your first charge." "I was confused then; I did not recollect distinctly.
Word Of The Day
Others Looking