Page:Poet Lore, volume 28, 1917.djvu/572

 Tonicka.—Yes, why have I got them! For if it were not for them—

Dr. Houska.—Then?

Tonicka (Wildly).—then I would kill one or two of those who are responsible for killing Vojtech! (Anxiously.) They are coming! (The doctor leads her to one side. Enter the official commissioner, official physician, clerk and mine director.)

Zakovec (Goes to Tonicka).—Excuse this disturbance but do not be frightened.

Tonicka (In great anger, but suppressing her emotion).—In the name of heaven,—quickly, quickly!

(Members of the commission seated around the table. Outside two soldiers pass and repass the window.)

Bruj (To ).—How is the sick man?

Dr. Houska.—Bad—

Bruj.—To transport—

Dr. Houska.—Not to be thought of.

Bruj.—Your word, Respected Colleague!

Dr. Houska.—My word.

Zakovec (To the district physician who is gazing from a distance at ).—He isn’t lying?

Bruj.—No.

Zakovec (In a whisper to ).—Will he recover?

Dr. Houska.—He will die.

Zakovec.—Another one! (To the official physician.) Better dictate the protocol.

( in an undertone to the clerk, who writes.)

( follows the dictation—her face working with growing anger and emotion.)

Zakovec (To, quietly but emphatically).—Here is another victim of this calamity. That poor fellow, (pointing to ,) is going to die.

Scheidler.—I deeply regret what has happened. If I could have foreseen such a thing, I would not have even considered my office.

Zakovec.—And who is to blame for the whole mess?