COLONEL.

I think it will do. Take it; but not a word--

BLUMENBERG.

You will let me send it at once to press. [_At the door._] Schmock!

[SCHMOCK _appears at the door, takes the ma.n.u.script and exit quickly._]

SENDEN.

Blumenberg is keeping the sheet up to the mark, but, as he has enemies, he has to fight hard to defend himself.

COLONEL (_amused_).

Enemies? Who does not have them? But journalists have nerves like women. Everything excites you; every word that any one says against you rouses your indignation! Oh come, you are sensitive people!

BLUMENBERG.

Possibly you are right, Colonel. But when one has opponents like this _Union_--

COLONEL.

Oh, yes, the _Union_. It is a thorn in the flesh to both of you. There is a great deal in it that I cannot praise; but, really when it comes to sounding an alarm, attacking, and pitching in, it is cleverer than your paper. The articles are witty; even when they are on the wrong side one cannot help laughing at them.

BLUMENBERG.

Not always. In today's attack on the best articles the _Coriola.n.u.s_ has published in a long time I see no wit at all.

COLONEL.

Attack on what articles?

BLUMENBERG.

On yours, Colonel. I must have the paper somewhere about me.

[_Searches, and gives him a copy of the Union._]

COLONEL.

Oldendorf's paper attacks my articles! [_Reads._] "We regret such lack of knowledge--"

BLUMENBERG.

And here--

COLONEL.

"It is an unpardonable piece of presumption"--What! I am presumptuous?

BLUMENBERG.

And here--

COLONEL.

"One may be in doubt as to whether the navete of the contributor is comical or tragical, but at all events he has no right to join in the discussion"--[_Throwing down the paper._] Oh, that is contemptible! It is a low trick!

_Enter_ IDA _and_ OLDENDORF _from the garden._

SENDEN (_aside_).

Now comes the cloud-burst!

COLONEL.

Professor, your newspaper is making progress. To bad principles is now added something else--baseness.

IDA (_frightened_).

Father!

OLDENDORF (_coming forward_).

Colonel, how can you justify this insulting expression?

COLONEL (_holding out the paper to him_).

Look here! That stands in your paper! In your paper, Oldendorf!

OLDENDORF.

The tone of the attack is not quite as calm as I could have wished--

COLONEL.

Not quite so calm? Not really?

OLDENDORF.

In substance the attack is justified.

COLONEL.

Sir! You dare say that to me!

IDA.