Page:Halek's Stories and Evensongs.pdf/282

 ing some mishap, went with Vena and a domestic in the direction of the cemetery to see if he could not meet with Frank somewhere or other. And when they failed to find him, they went as far as the grave-digger’s to make inquiries about him. “He was here until quite late this evening,” said Bartos, “whether he has departed I know not, but it is possible that he is lying in the grave.”

“In the grave?” inquired Loyka with surprise.

“In the grave”, replied Bartos with a peaceful face, and he led them to the grave. “Look how prettily they have fallen asleep together. If you choose awaken him, but I would not awaken him if I were you.”

They slept like two birdies, and knew nothing of what was going on around them.

“When he cannot sleep any longer with his grandfather, he spends the night in his grave,” said Vena, “do not awaken him, pantata.”

Loyka, however, was of a different opinion, and awoke Frank, and this caused Staza also to awake. The boy was drowsy, leapt to his feet, and looked about him. Over the burial-ground streamed the white light of the moon, the crosses stretched forth their giant arms, by the grave stood his father and bade him come home with him. Frank did not at once collect his ideas; only he knew that he was with Staza and that he was not at home.

“Let him be; children are children”, said Bartos.

“But I order him”, shouted Loyka vehemently, and wanted to jump into the grave.

“Softly, softly”, said Bartos quietly; and held Loyka with his hand so that the peasant could not stir a muscle.

“Here I am master—everything only by my consent”, and he did not allow Loyka to take a step forward.

“I am master of the boy”, said Loyka.

“So you are”, said Bartos. “These children consecrated with their breath the grave of your father, and did you wish to desecrate it? Are the wrongs that you have already done him during life, then, not enough?”

These words smote Loyka’s conscience. He ceased from insisting further and in order, perhaps, to escape from hearing the recital of his own past deeds over the open grave, departed from the spot without more words.

Now the children heard the steps and voices receding; but being still frightened they once more cuddled close to one another, and