Page:Thea von Harbou Metropolis eng 1927.pdf/52

 METROPOLIS Joh Fredersen hesitated a moment with the answer.

"The meaning-yes; but not the plan. He told me he has often seen this paper in the workmen's hands, and that they anxiously keep it a secret, and that the men will crowd closely around him who holds it." - "So the .meaning of the plan has been kept secret from your foreman.» "So it seems, for he could not explain it to me." "H'm,"

Rolwang turned to tllO being which was standing near him, with the appearance

en listening intently,

"What do you say about it, my beautiful Parody?" The being stood motionless. "W~ll-?"

said Joh Fredersen, with a sharp expression of

impatience.

Rotwang looked at him, jerkily turning his great skull towards him. The glorious eyes crept behind their lids as though wishing to have nothing in common with the strong white teeth ane! the jaws of the beast of prey. But from beneath the almost closed lids they gazed at Joh Fredersen, as though they sought in his face the door to the great brain. "How can one bind you, Job Fredersen," he murmured, "what is a word to you-or an oath. . . . Oh God .. . you with your own laws. What promise would you keep if the breaking of it seemed expedient to your "Don't talk rubbish, Rolwang," said Joh Fredersen. "I shall hold my tongue because r still need you. I know quite well that the people whom we need are our solitary tyrants. So, if you know, speak." Rolwang still hesitated; but gradually a smile took possession of his features-a good natured and mysterious smile, which was amusing itself at itself. "You are standing on the entrance," he said. "What does that mean?" "To be taken literally, Joh Fredersenl You are standing on the entrance," "What entrance, Rotwang? You are wasting time that does not belong to you,. ." The smile on Rotwang's face deepened to serenity.

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