Page:Poet Lore, volume 28, 1917.djvu/554

 Merfajt.—It would not in any way affect you. If you are promoted you would receive a raise of fifty cents a day in wages.

Kralenec.—Then what is it?

Merfajt.—Take your Bozenka out of that school, and place her in the other one!

Kralenec.—Director, that I will never do!

Merfajt.—I cannot understand you! Do you wish to be dismissed! To receive your notice of fourteen days?

Kralenec.—Surely that will not happen?

Merfajt (With a cold manner, restraining his anger, while taking out a notice).—Here is your notice, signed by the new superintendent.

Kralenec (Sharply).—That notice was written by you!

Merfajt.—Yes. I am today doing whatever seems best for our own interests.

Kralenec.—You cannot turn me out of work, at least you cannot turn me out of this room! (Outside, wild gesticulations and cries.)

Merfajt.—Here is your dismissal from your work and your home. If you will obey me, I will destroy it

Kralenec (Even more sharply).—And suppose I refuse?

Merfajt.—Then in fourteen days, you must be prepared to leave.

Kralenec.—Now in the winter, before the holidays? (The miners are crowding into the door. enters.)

Merfajt.—Yes, now in the winter. (With an evil smile.) Make up your mind before you decide, that work cannot be found anywhere around here. Hunger and cold are hard task masters.

Kralenec (More decidedly).—But above them all, shame is the greatest! And shame upon myself, I will not bring!

Voices.—Splendid! That is splendid! He is talking now!

Others.—You will not betray us? You won’t back out?

Kralenec.—I will not betray, either you or myself!

Merfajt (To the miners).—By what right, do you dare come in here?

Trnka.—By the same right, if there is no higher one, that you have.

Merfajt.—Away from here! Whoever will not obey, will lose his work!

Trnka.—We will see about that!

Merfajt (To ).—Order them to go away!