Page:Poet Lore, volume 35, 1924.pdf/539

 Johnny.—But you have a revolver. Why should you be afraid?

Hans.—Of course, I am not afraid, but it is always better to get along without shooting.

John.—It is easy to joke, but if the officer should actually appear, it might be harder to laugh it off.

Hans.—You seem more concerned about that than I am.

John.—You are fully aware of your danger.

Ann.—Mr. Karvan, don’t be careless, don’t tempt ruin.

John.—At least you cannot say that I did not warn you. It was no small number of rebels that the Austrian government turned over to Russia. Please consider that you might find yourself again travelling toward Sakhalin.

Hans.—In that case, my suffering would be somewhat eased by the knowledge that I have in my place here such a faithful and worthy beneficiary.

John.—Listen Hans! There will be no question about that. I have been thinking about it all night. I have decided that it would be best for me to remain in my present position here for the rest of my life. It is now the one thing or the other: Will you let them take you, or will you go of your own accord?

Hans.—Oh, I see your drift. It is not so much my arrest you fear, as the resulting scandal. Last night you promised me a lodging under the Austrian Eagle, and now that you see I am almost willing to go, you are all-fired keen on having me go at once. It must not be said here-abouts that the mayor of Potsedin had a cousin arrested, because he came all the way from America to look after what belonged to him.

Ann.—No one could stoop to such a low trick! I hope not even you, John!

Johnny.—Oh, dear, you are all quarrelling again!

John.—What have I to do with all this? As if I could help it. Already last evening the town was ringing with the news of your return. The authorities will find you without my calling them.

Hans.—And just for that I am going to wait now until they come.

John (Uneasy).—As you think best.

Hans.—I am curious to know how far human cowardice can go.

John.—Hans, you suspect me, you are trying to accuse me in your mind of things I am utterly incapable of.