Page:Thea von Harbou Metropolis eng 1927.pdf/204

 METROPOLIS "What is it?" he asked breathlessly. "What are you all doing here?", Agitated voices whispered. Nobody knew who was speak. ing. Words tumbled over each other. "He drove us out into the town, where death is fUnning as though amok. . . . He sent us out to look for his son, Freder. We couldl).'t find him.•.• None of us.... We daren't go in to Joh Fredersen.... Nobody dares take him the news that we haven't been able to find his son...." A voice swung out. high and sharp {r9ID out the knot:

"Who can find one single damned soul in this hell-?" "Hush ... hush ... I" MListen-'»

"He is talking to Slim." And in the tension of listening, which smothered every sound, the heads bent to~ards the door. Behind the door a voice spoke, as were the wood rattling: "Where is my son ... P"

. Josaphat made for the door, staggering. The panting cry of many men b:ied to stop him. Handii were stretched out towards him.

"Don't-don't-II" But he bad already pushed open the door. He looked about him. Through the enormous windows the first glow of the youthful day was flowing, lying on the shining floor like pools of blood. By the wall, near the door, stood Slim. And just before him stood Joh Freders.en. His fists were

pressed against the wall, right and left of the man, holding him fast, as though they had been drilled through him, crucifying him.

"Where is my son-?" said Joh Frederoen. He askedand his voice cracked as if in suffocation:

"Where is my child?" Slim's head flung back against the wall. From his ..hen lips came the toneless words: "To-morrow there will be many in Metropolis who will

ask: «

<Joh Fredersen. where is my child?' .,

Joh Fredersen's fists relaxed. His whole body twisted

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