Page 33 - the-trial

it might be that the investigating committee could see that
I’m innocent, or not so guilty as had been supposed.” “Yes,
that’s certainly a possibility,” said Miss Burstner, who
seemed very interested. “Listen,” said K., “you don’t have
much experience in legal matters.” “No, that’s true, I don’t,”
said Miss Burstner, “and I’ve often regretted it, as I’d like to
know everything and I’m very interested in legal matters.
There’s something peculiarly attractive about the law, isn’t
there? But I’ll certainly be perfecting my knowledge in this
area, as next month I start work in a legal office.” “That’s
very good,” said K., “that means you’ll be able to give me
some help with my trial.” “That could well be,” said Miss
Burstner, “why not? I like to make use of what I know.” “I
mean it quite seriously,” said K., “or at least, half seriously,
as you do. This affair is too petty to call in a lawyer, but I
could make good use of someone who could give me ad-
vice.” “Yes, but if I’m to give you advice I’ll have to know
what it’s all about,” said Miss Burstner. “That’s exactly the
problem,” said K., “I don’t know that myself.” “So you have
been making fun of me, then,” said Miss Burstner exceed-
ingly disappointed, “you really ought not to try something
like that on at this time of night.” And she stepped away
from the photographs where they had stood so long togeth-
er. “Miss Burstner, no,” said K., “I’m not making fun of you.
Please believe me! I’ve already told you everything I know.
More than I know, in fact, as it actually wasn’t even an in-
vestigating committee, that’s just what I called them because
I don’t know what else to call them. There was no cross
questioning at all, I was merely arrested, but by a commit-

The Trial