Earl (Quickly).—Count Sterneck is leaving by way of the stream. Captain Charvát, in order not to awaken any suspicion leaves in a half hour. Has every precaution been taken against a night attack?
Karmín.—I will arrange for a night guard. I will make use of the foresters for that purpose. It’s lucky that all the foresters and the huntsmen were also at the harvest festival. They are the most wide-awake and have the sharpest sight. If necessary they can shoot any peasant spy—and not miss. On this side (Indicating the left) in the tower we will place on guard Forester Vobořil, here on the balcony young Výrava, on the right near the entrance the forester’s apprentice, Bohutinsky and also Ernest. (To Jiřík.) Jiřík, call Výrava. (Jiřík departs.) From the other side towards the gate— —
Earl.—And where will the rest of the foresters and servants be stationed?
Karmín.—The foresters had best be placed in the hall on the first floor and will put the servants in the guard-room. From these two rooms they can most readily be sent to the places where they are most necessary.
Earl.—And what about young Výrava? Should we use him for sentinel duty or for defense at all? His father— —
Karmín.—Among the forestry contingent there is not a single member who would not give his life for your Grace, even though it were in a struggle against his own father. (Aside.) And even if the peasants killed young Výrava here, it won’t be any loss, for what he did to me at the “Glade.”
Earl.—Still I think— —
Karmín.—And then on sentinel duty there is the greatest danger and it is better to have in those positions single men and not the foresters, who are heads of families.
Earl.—Do as you think best.
Jeroným (Enters).—Gracious Earl!
Earl.—I am intrusting you with the chief guard here on the balcony. Later you will be relieved by— (Turns to Karmín).
Karmín.—The apprentice Andres.
Earl.—I depend on your devotion—and your faithfulness I’ll not forget.
Jeroným.—I want to be given the chance to prove it even in the greatest danger.
Earl.—Go, then, to your place! (Jeroným bows and departs.
