Page 163 - the-trial

this. Ever since then I learn something new about the court
every time he comes to visit, and so little by little I get to
understand something of how it works. Anyway, Titorelli
talks a lot and I often have to push him away, not only be-
cause he’s bound to be lying but also, most of all, because a
businessman like me who’s already close to breaking point
under the weight of his own business worries can’t pay too
much attention to other people’s. But all that’s just by the
by. Perhaps this is what I’ve been thinking perhaps Titorelli
might be able to help you in some small way, he knows lots
of judges and even if he can’t have much influence himself
he can give you some advice about how to get some influ-
ential people on your side. And even if this advice doesn’t
turn out to make all the difference I still think it’ll be very
important once you’ve got it. You’re nearly a lawyer your-
self. That’s what I always say, Mr. K. the chief clerk is nearly
a lawyer. Oh I’m sure this trial of yours will turn out all
right. So do you want to go and see Titorelli, then? If I ask
him to he’ll certainly do everything he possibly can. I really
do think you ought to go. It needn’t be today, of course, just
some time, when you get the chance. And anyway I want
to tell you this too you don’t actually have to go and see
Titorelli, this advice from me doesn’t place you under any
obligation at all. No, if you think you can get by without
Titorelli it’ll certainly be better to leave him completely out
of it. Maybe you’ve already got a clear idea of what you’re
doing and Titorelli could upset your plans. No, if that’s the
case then of course you shouldn’t go there under any cir-
cumstances! And it certainly won’t be easy to take advice

1 The Trial