Page:Poet Lore, volume 36, 1925.pdf/398

 Bailiff (In same place).—Well, then, you go first, Mr. Clerk. I am not afraid.

Franc—Just you go ahead. (Steps forth, almost pushing the . Looks about him anxiously.)

Bailiff.—I afraid? I, an old soldier? I have been quartered on the Turkish border.

Franc.—Here is that linden tree. We are to remain here.

Bailiff.—It is a peculiar command.

Franc.—Since the magistrate ordered it—

Bailiff.—That is true, a command is a command. And since he himself, as magistrate, commands it—

Franc.—Good; the miller is not at home; the girl is home alone with the old—

Bailiff.—But Braha?

Franc.—As if you could not overpower him! If it becomes necessary, bind him, and take the girl to the castle, and then come here to cut down the linden.

Bailiff.—I should rather be there. What is there here?

Franc.—A plan is a plan. Suppose the miller should just chance to return home from the little castle. Hold him, do not let him go, at least not immediately, that is our duty; and help will come and we must watch the linden tree here. Here those boors have some sort of a hiding place. The sum total is, “to watch.” (Looks about him, overcoming his fear.) But it is (sighs) rather queer around here. (Suddenly.) You used to be on guard duty?

Bailiff.—O heavens, whenever the command came, night or day; and even oftener at night.

Franc.—Were you not afraid at night?

Bailiff.—I was even happier then, I slept through it all then.

Franc.—I should not even have closed my eyes.

Bailiff (Looks about him).—But you know, sir, Chamberlain, there are no two places alike, particularly at night, and a good deal is said concerning this one here.

Franc (Suddenly).—Be still. I know it. But you—you are not afraid?

Bailiff.—I? I—I am not afraid. A command is—

uncovers the lantern, so that a light glimmers from under the linden tree.

Bailiff.—A com—What is that? (Points to the linden.)

Franc.—O Mary Mother! (Hides behind the .) What is that?