Commissioner.  There are certain things in the world you would not be likely to look for and less likely to find.  You have been treating this thing as though you were dealing with a common ordinary pickpocket. [To Baron Sckmettau.] You see it is just as I told you ... the man did not have the slightest idea. ... [To Stroebel.] Did this fellow, Schmuttermaier, see anyone in the flat or did he hear if anyone was there?

Stroebel.  No, Commissioner.

Commissioner [to Baron Schmettau].  It is just as I told you. ...

Stroebel.  Furthermore, I have heard since that there was somebody in the apartment.

Commissioner [quickly].  Who?

Stroebel.  That, I have been unable to find out yet, but Hauteville made several insinuations as though someone had been hidden in a wardrobe.

Commissioner.[to Baron Schmettau].  To be sure—­someone—­was—­To my profoundest regret, His Highness, our beloved Hereditary Prince Emil.

Stroebel [crushed].  I ... didn’t have the slightest idea ...

Commissioner.  You people ought to have an idea once in a while.  If this Schmuttermaier had any ability, it would not have happened.  But it is the old story, not a trace of independent ability and tact.

Stroebel.  I don’t know what apology I can offer.

Commissioner.  Neither do I. Besides Herr Baron Schmettau himself was obliged to go through this very unpleasant incident.

Schmettau. [Schmettau speaks very precisely but puts a slight emphasis on his s.] I was completely dumfounded.  I cannot understand how it could happen.  Just picture it ...  Lord knows ...  I was and am of the opinion that our young Highness must learn to know life.  Faith, it is not my business to act as his pastor. ...

Commissioner.  If you please, Herr Baron, that goes without saying. ...

Schmettau.  That of course is merely my opinion.  I am a man of the world and of affairs.  I consider it fitting that his Highness should learn to know life. ...

Commissioner.  But I entirely share your opinion.

Schmettau.  A moment ago the word “decency” was used.  In my position I can listen to such words from the pulpit, but outside of the church I deem them entirely out of place.

Commissioner [to Assessor].  You used that expression.

Schmettau.  If anyone wants to claim that my bearing is not a proper one, he will have to prove it with a revolver in his hand.

Stroebel.  I did not think that the word would offend you.

Schmettau.  It did offend me.  Such expressions are fitting in an asylum for feeble-minded people.  They should never be used to characterize the recreation of Cavaliers.

Commissioner.  May I put in a good word for my Assessor?  It certainly was not his intention to offend you.