got a trial going on, haven't you?” K. stepped back and immediately exclaimed, “That's what the deputy director's been telling you!” “No, no,” said the manufacturer, “how would the deputy director know about it?” “And what about you?” asked K., already more in control of himself.

“I hear things about the court here and there,” said the manufacturer, “and that even applies to what it is that I wanted to tell you about.” “There are so many people who have connections with the court!” said K. with lowered head, and he led the manufacturer over to his desk. They sat down where they had been before, and the manufacturer said, “I'm afraid it's not very much that I've got to tell you about. Only, in matters like this, it's best not to