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I’ve already got the contract in my pocket, almost. He’s a
charming man, your deputy director he’s got his dangers,
though.” He laughed as he shook K.’s hand and wanted to
make him laugh with him. But to K., it once more seemed
suspicious that the manufacturer did not want to show him
the papers and saw nothing about his comments to laugh at.
“Chief clerk,” said the manufacturer, “I expect the weather’s
been affecting your mood, has it? You’re looking so worried
today.” “Yes,” said K., raising his hand and holding the tem-
ple of his head, “headaches, worries in the family.” “Quite
right,” said the manufacturer, who was always in a hurry
and could never listen to anyone for very long, “everyone
has his cross to bear.” K. had unconsciously made a step to-
wards the door as if wanting to show the manufacturer out,
but the manufacturer said, “Chief clerk, there’s something
else I’d like to mention to you. I’m very sorry if it’s some-
thing that’ll be a burden to you today of all days but I’ve
been to see you twice already, lately, and each time I for-
got all about it. If I delay it any longer it might well lose its
point altogether. That would be a pity, as I think what I’ve
got to say does have some value.” Before K. had had the time
to answer, the manufacturer came up close to him, tapped
his knuckle lightly on his chest and said quietly, “You’ve
got a trial going on, haven’t you?” K. stepped back and im-
mediately 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 manufac-

1 0 The Trial