"Karl." More softly: "Karl." The doctor looked round and asked: "What's to become of this girl?"
Then Jadassohn stepped forward. "I am Assessor Jadassohn of the Public Prosecutor's Office. This girl must be removed. As her lover provoked the sentry, there is ground for suspicion that she was concerned in the offence. Inquiries will be instituted."
He made a sign to two policemen who seized the girl. Dr. Heuteufel raised his voice: "Herr Assessor, as a doctor I certify that the condition of this girl will not permit her arrest." Somebody said: "Why don't you arrest the corpse also!" But Jadassohn croaked: "Herr Lauer, I forbid all criticism of such measures as I may officially take."
Meanwhile Diederich had shown signs of great excitement. "Oh! … Ah! … Why, that is—" He was quite pale, and began again: "Gentlemen. … Gentlemen, I am in a position to … I know these people, the man and the girl. My name is Dr. Hessling. Up till to-day they were both employed in my factory. I had to discharge them on account of indecent behaviour in public."
"Ah, indeed!" said Jadassohn. Pastor Zillich made a movement. "This is truly the hand of God," he remarked. Herr Lauer's face went deep red under his grey beard, his burly figure was shaking with anger.
"We won't be so sure about the hand of God. What seems likely, Dr. Hessling, is that the man took his dismissal to heart and was guilty of disorderly conduct. He had a wife and perhaps children, too."
"They were not married at all," said Diederich, indignant in his turn. "He told me so himself."
"What difference does that make?" Lauer asked. The Pastor raised his hands in horror. "Have we reached the stage," he cried, "when it makes no difference whether God's moral law is followed or not?"
Lauer declared that it was unseemly to argue about moral
