
same night, shortly after K.'s arrival
Schwarzer challenges K.
Schwarzer, the son of a castle warden, wakes K. and demands a permit to stay in the village, claiming the village belongs to the castle. K. asserts he is the land surveyor sent for by the count, and Schwarzer telephones the castle to verify. After a confusing call, the castle confirms K.'s status, but Schwarzer is initially hostile.