Page:Karel Čapek - The Absolute at Large (1927).djvu/73

 "The sweethearts from Stechovice," said Brych.

"I'd better make them some coffee," Kuzenda decided, and went below.

"Now then, youngsters," Brych shouted to the boat. "To the left! Left! Give us your hand, lass. There we are. Up she comes!"

"Me and Joe," the girl announced on reaching the deck, "we—we'd like to"

"Good evening," said the young workman who climbed up after her. "Where is Mr. Kuzenda?"

"Mr. Kuzenda is making coffee," said the stoker. "Take a seat. Look, there's someone else coming across. Is that you, baker?"

"That's me," a voice rang back. "Good evening, Mr. Brych. I've got the postman and the gamekeeper with me."

"Come up then, brothers," said Mr. Brych. "We can begin while Mr. Kuzenda is getting the coffee ready. Who else is coming?"

"I am," came a voice from the side of the dredge. "My name's Hudec, and I'd very much like to hear you."

"You are very welcome, Mr. Hudec," the stoker shouted down. "Come up, will you?—there's a ladder here. Half a minute and I'll give you a hand, Mr. Hudec, seeing you've never been here before."

"Mr. Brych," three people shouted from the bank.