Page:Poet Lore, volume 35, 1924.pdf/540

 Andrew (Running in alarmed).—Mr. Hans, for all the world! Up there at the house is the gendarme with the commissioner! (Unlocking the gate.) Hurry out this way before it is too late! This way! We’ll be in the woods in ten minutes!

Ann.—So it is true!

Hans (Smiling).—But my dear Andrew, how should I ever keep up with you? You are in such a violent stride—Besides I have given my word to some one to take her along.

( enters carrying over her shoulder, asleep. She is dressed for travel, bundle in her hand. The daylight floods her face with a rosy light.)

Julia.—The little fellow will not wake up!

Hans.—And here we are.

John.—What’s that?

Hans.—Only this, my lord mayor! Here you behold the American expedition of one Hans Karvan, consisting of three members. This little trio are shaking the dust of their native land off their heels, and are taking the Bavarian flyer at exactly (Looks at watch) four-twenty-three. That is, of course, provided our lord commissioner deigns to permit our departure. Here he is. I pray you greet him in your capacity of mayor of Potsedin.

Commissioner (Entering and saluting).—I crave pardon, lord mayor for breaking upon you at this unseasonable hour, but official business, you know. It has no bearing on yourself, but since last night you have had a guest

Julia.—Good bye, vain dream!

Hans (Happily).—Krachmer! Well, well, old comrade, don’t you know me?

Commissioner.—I know Mr. Karvan, but I regret that my official duty

Hans.—Inasmuch as you come in the name of the law, I beg pardon for presuming on your former friendship, and since I am beyond the big pond also an officer of the law, I sympathize with you in the discharge of your duty. I beg you to glance at my papers.

John.—Do your duty, commissioner.

Commissioner (Reading).—All English! Aha! Here is something from the consul, and from the embassy. (Handing papers back.) That puts a different complexion on the whole affair. (Saluting.) Mr. Karvan is travelling as a minister plenipotentiary of the United States of America.