Page:The Jail, Experiences in 1916.pdf/36

 "Just one more word about Dr. Kramář. Tell me what there is against him. What is he guilty of? Why was he arrested?"

"You will see. I repeat that military justice proceeds in the most cautious manner. Peace will come, parliament will meet, its actions will be discussed, will be investigated,—for today I cannot tell you any more."

"And I repeat that Dr. Kramář is innocent. And that if there is a trial, not he but the whole nation will be in the dock, and that if he is condemned, the idea of Austria as current in the Kingdom of Bohemia will be justified for ever and ever. Even today, you see—"

"Yes, the Czech regiments, they are surrendering—"

"This matter has not been cleared up."

"The war loans."

"We give what we can. Blood and property."

"And at the same time you are thinking of independence."

"If that is a crime, then have a high wall built around the whole of Bohemia and Moravia, make a single gate in it, put a soldier there with a fixed bayonet, and above it put the inscription: Royal and Imperial Jail."

"Your hearts are not in the monarchy."

"That is how the monarchy brought us up."

In this way we passed the whole of the morning. Preminger looked into my eyes, I into his. We pierced into each other's souls. A razor was the thought I had of him, well made, excellent material, admirably set. An obedient razor which shaves easily and well, but with which throats can be cut if it is used by a careless hand. It has a bluish steely glitter, it is a first-rate implement, you cannot get angry with it even when it wounds you. For with the same precision and neatness it would—under different