Stroebel [half turning].  Reisacher.

Reisacher [does likewise].  Yes, Herr Assessor.

Stroebel.  How long have you been in the police department?

Reisacher.  It will be eighteen years this fall.

Stroebel.  You have seen many a change, no doubt?

Reisacher.  Surely.

Stroebel.  Tell me, how long has our Commissioner been in office?

Reisacher.  The Commissioner?  Oh ... it’s seven.  No, let me see, it’s eight years. ...

Stroebel.  Hem ... do you really suppose he wants us to keep our eyes wide open all the time?

Reisacher [eagerly].  Certainly.  That’s what he wants.

Stroebel.  Does he? ... [Short pause.] I had an idea he didn’t want us to be too strict for fear of notoriety.

Reisacher [eagerly].  No, no.  He certainly would not like that.

Stroebel [turns around completely].  Listen, Reisacher, you contradict yourself all the time.

Reisacher [turns around likewise].  I beg your pardon, Herr
Stroebel.  May I suggest ...

Stroebel.  But you are always contradicting yourself.  First you say yes, and then you say no.

Reisacher.  I beg your pardon, Herr Assessor Stroebel.  I wanted to say that in the Police Department it is like this:  Everything you do is all right, if it turns out all right.

Stroebel [turns back to his desk].  You will never learn to formulate a thought precisely.

Reisacher [also turns].  All right, Herr Stroebel.

(Short pause.  Stroebel reads.  Reisacher writes.  A commotion is heard through the middle door, which, is thrown open and Ninon De Hauteville enters.  Behind her a policeman, who holds her tightly by the arm.  She tries to free herself.)

Hauteville. [she wears a large picture hat, and is highly perfumed].  Keep your hands off me.  I haven’t killed anyone.  Please, let me go.

Stroebel [he has risen].  What’s the matter?

Police officer. [releasing her, stands at attention].  Have the honor sir, to report this disreputable woman—­the Hochstetter person.

Hauteville.  Please, help me, sir.  I am being handled like the commonest criminal.

Stroebel.  Why do you keep that hat on?  You are not paying us a visit?

Hauteville.  Indeed not!  I am not paying a visit.  If I lived to be a hundred, it would never occur to me to pay you a visit.

Stroebel.  Don’t talk so much.  Do you understand? [To Reisacher.] Get your report book ready.

Hauteville.  Is this the complaint office?  I demand to know at least why I was arrested.

Stroebel.  Oh, here you’ll find that out soon enough. [To the officer.] You can go now. [Officer exit through middle door.]