entire nation . . . (Returning to his note-book.) Were many of the miners arrested?
Chaplain.—There is a commission here at present. The officers are arresting men and taking them away all the time. How many men are under arrest at the present moment, I do not know.
Melichar.—And Superintendent Scheidler, who started this, how is he acting?
Chaplain.—Superintendent Scheidler is not responsible, but his assistant, Merfajt. The Superintendent only followed his instructions and now he is almost overcome by the horror of this calamity.
Melichar.—Thanks . . . thanks, for the present. If you will permit me, I will return in the evening. (To Tonicka.) May the Lord help you little mother, . . . and I greatly wish that I might in some way serve you. (Goes away. Outside, the trundling of a wheelbarrow may be heard, while Melichar singsongs—)Tar-maker,— . . . tar-maker . . . (Enter Dr. Houska.)
Scene III
Dr. Houska, Chaplain, Tonicka, Kralenec, Kralencova
Dr. Houska.—I bring you good news of your little boy. Shortly after you went away, he began to improve. (Taking off his over-coat.)
Tonicka.—Thank God! I do not know, Doctor, how I can ever repay your goodness, or thank you sufficiently for taking that unfortunate little nestling of mine in your care.
Dr. Houska.—Don’t even mention it! We hardly realize that he is in the house!
Tonicka.—Here at our house he certainly would have died! We could not give him the care he needed. If only there also (pointing to Kralenec) there only were hope!
Dr. Houska (Shrugging his shoulders).—He sleeps?
Tonicka.—Yes.
Chaplain.—I think he is waking right now!
Kralenec (Stirring in his sleep).—Only something great—a king—a general—
Dr. Houska.—Delirious!
Kralenec.—Whatever may come—blood—human life—only
