Page:Poet Lore, volume 28, 1917.djvu/570

 when—glory—glory— (Coughs and wakes up.) Why, I am at home  what a strange dream

Tonicka.—Did you sleep well?

Kralenec.—The reverend chaplain and wasn’t some one else here the doctor

Dr. Houska.—Here he is, my dear friend! (Brightly, trying to cheer him.) Well, you are a fine patient, Kralenec! (Taking his temperature.) Fine! But keep yourself composed! Just see, the pulse is much more normal! Haven’t I said so all the time? Such a rugged body will not easily give in!

( at one side, wiping her eyes.)

Chaplain.—So you see, Kralenec, all will be well again!

Kralenec.—Yes—yes—and how, I pray you, did it turn out with my brothers?

Dr. Houska.—Goodness! How else could it turn out? Empty hands against new weapons? You might know what the result would be! But now do not bother yourself about that. Just keep quiet so the wound would have a chance to heal. So far, I am well satisfied with you.

Kralenec (Sadly).—Then we were overpowered—(painfully) after all our sacrifice!

Dr. Houska.—But just now, dear friend, please obey my instructions,—and lie perfectly quiet. In three days, you can talk as much as you please.

Kralenec.—Very well—thank you. (His hand drops, his head sinks back, heavy with sleep.)

Dr. Houska (Stepping from the bed, quietly).—Be careful not to awaken him, and keep the children quiet.

Kralencova.—I will ask the neighbor to keep them at her house awhile. (Takes her shawl, goes to the bed, and gazing at, she says sadly;) My poor boy! (Makes the sign of the cross above him and walks away.)

(The Others drying their eyes.)

Tonicka (Quietly but in tears).—Doctor,—how is it with Vojtech?

Dr. Houska.—Dear Mrs. Kralenec, I do not wish to frighten