Page:The Jail, Experiences in 1916.pdf/126

 Frank, well-groomed, clean-shaven as on the first occasion and equally restrained in manner, informed me that I had a visitor.

Dr. T., a German, whom I had known for quite a number of years. The first man who had visited me in the Rudolfinerhaus after my operation, the first one who was visiting me in jail.

"My dear M" he began, and his voice trembled.

"Doctor, no sentimentality, I have been imprisoned because of four stupid poems."

"My dear sir", intervened Dr. Frank.

"Oh, I see. It's not allowed. Very well. As you see, I am in good health, in jail of course, but for eight hours a day I have the most glorious freedom."

"How is that? Do you go for a walk?" asked Dr. T. in astonishment, and even Frank looked at me inqusitively.

"No. I sleep for eight hours and you know that dreams are an important part of my life,—and I dream about liberty. Night after night I have dreams about freedom, and if this estimable official here (I turned to Frank) had the least idea of it, he would station a defence-corps man by my bed to wake me up every ten minutes: Hi, hi, are you dreaming about freedom? That is forbidden, you are in jail."

Dr. Frank gave a forced smile.

"And in other respects?"

"In other respects I live amid dirt, and contemplate our beloved Austria from below, which is also very interesting."

"Do you need anything?"

"The State gives me everything that I cannot need,—thank you."

"Gentlemen", and Dr. Frank drew out his watch, "I am sorry to tell you that I have a great deal of work."