out his resolve, since it was too imperative a resolve to be dropped. But the sooner it was
carried out the less he would suffer. Perhaps, after all, the tradesman might be able to
throw some light on the subject. K. turned toward the man, who immediately gave a start as if to jump to his feet.
“Keep your seat,” said K., drawing a chair up beside him. “You’re an old client of the
lawyer’s, aren’t you?” “Yes,” said the tradesman, “a very old client.” “How long has he
been in charge of your affairs?” asked K. “I don’t quite know what affairs you mean,” said
the tradesman; “in my business affairs — I’m a grain dealer — the lawyer has been my
representative since the very beginning, that must be for the past twenty years, and in my
private case, which is probably what you are thinking of, he has been my lawyer also from
the beginning, which is more than five years ago. Yes, well over five years now,” he
confirmed, drawing out an old pocketbook. “I have it all written down here. I can give you
the exact dates if you like. It’s difficult to keep them in one’s head. My case probably goes
back further than I said, it began just after my wife’s death, certainly more than five and a
half years ago.” K. moved his chair closer to the man. “So the lawyer has an ordinary
practice as well ?” he asked. This alliance between Court and jurisprudence seemed to him
uncommonly reassuring. “Of course,” said the tradesman, adding in a whisper: “They even
say that he’s better at ordinary law than at the other kind.” Then apparently he regretted
having ventured so far, for he laid a hand on K.’s shoulder and said: “Don’t give me away, I
implore you.” K. patted him soothingly on the thigh and said: “No, I’m not an informer.”
“He’s vindictive, you see,” said Block. “Surely he wouldn’t harm a faithful client like you?”
said K. “Oh, yes,” said Block, “once he’s roused he draws no distinctions; besides, I’m not
really faithful to him.” “How is that?” asked K. “Perhaps I oughtn’t to tell you,” said Block
doubtfully. “I think you can risk it,” said K. “Well,” said Block, “I’ll tell you a certain
amount, but in your turn you must tell me one of your secrets, so that we each have a hold
over the other.” “You’re very cautious,” said K., “but I’ll entrust you with a secret that will
allay all your suspicions. In what way, then, are you unfaithful to the lawyer?” “Well,” said
the tradesman hesitatingly, as if confessing something dishonorable, “I have other lawyers
as well as him.” “That’s nothing very dreadful,” said K., somewhat disappointed. “It’s
supposed to be,” said the tradesman, who had not breathed freely since making his
confession, but now gained a little confidence from K.’s rejoinder. “It’s not allowed. And
least of all is it allowed to consult pettifogging lawyers when one is the client of an official
lawyer. And that’s exactly what I’ve been doing, I have five pettifogging lawyers besides
him.” “Five !” cried K., amazed at the mere number, “five lawyers besides this one?” Block
nodded: “I’m even negotiating with a sixth one.” “But what do you need so many for?”
asked K. “I need every one of them,” said Block. “Tell me why, will you?” asked K. “With
pleasure,” said the tradesman. “To begin with, I don’t want to lose my case, as you can well
understand. And so I daren’t ignore anything that might help me; if there’s even the faintest
hope of an advantage for myself I daren’t reject it. That’s why I’ve spent every penny I
possess on this case of mine. For instance, I’ve drawn all the money out of my business;
my business offices once filled nearly a whole floor of the building where now I need only
a small back room and an apprentice. Of course it’s not only the withdrawal of my money
that has brought the business down, but the withdrawal of my energies. When you’re trying
to do anything you can to help your case along you haven’t much energy to spare for other