This is a formal surrender of your estate to the Receiver
in Bankruptcy. If you sign it, you will be doing your duty to your
creditors, to your family, and to yourself. Shooting yourself and
me would only be adding an acted lie to all your others. Put away
your revolver and take up your pen!
Tjaelde. Never! I had resolved on this long ago. But you shall
keep me company, now!
Berent. Do what you please. But you cannot threaten me into a
falsehood.
Tjaelde (who has lowered the revolver, takes a step back, raises
the revolver and aims at BERENT). Very well!
Berent (walking up to TJAELDE and looking him straight in the eyes,
while the latter reluctantly lowers the revolver). Do you suppose I
don't know that a man who has for so long shivered with falsehood
and terror in his inmost heart has lots of schemes but no courage?
You _dare_ not do it!
Tjaelde (furiously). I will show you! (Steps back and raises the
revolver again.)
Berent (following him). Shoot, and you will hear a report--that is
what you are longing for, I suppose! Or, give up your plan of
shooting, think of what you have done, confess, and afterwards
hold your tongue!
Tjaelde. No; may the devil take both you and me--
Berent. And the horse?
Tjaelde.
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