METROPOLIS temptation to rise again~t thee, machine, for thou art stronger than we, thou art a thousand times stronger than we, and thou art always in .the right and we are always in the wrong, bec~use we are weaker than thou. art, machine. . . . But deliver us from evil, machine.... Deliver us from thee, machine. . . . For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever, Amen.... Pater-noster, that means: ClO ur Father.... Our Father, which are in heaven...." Freder touched the man's arm. The man started, struck dumb. His hand lost its hold of the lever and leaped into the air like a shot bird. The man's jaws stood gaping open as if locked. For one second the white of the eyes in the stiffened face was t6lTibly visible. Then the man collapsed like a rag and Freder caught him as he fell. Freder held him fast. He looked around. Nobody was paying any attention., either to him or to the other man. Clouds of steam and fumes sun'ouuded them like a fog. There was a door near by. Freder carried the man to the door and pushed it open. It led to the tool-house. A packing case offered a hard' resting place. Freder let the mao slip down into it. Dull eyes looked up at him. The face to which they belonged was little more than that of a boy. "What is your name?» said Freder. "IlBIl. .. :' "I want to know what your mother called you.•• •n "Georgi,u
.
"Georgi,'do you know mer' Consciousness returned to the dull eyes together with recognition. . "Yes) I know you.••. You are the son of Joh Fredersen •... of Joh Fredersen, who is the father of us all... ," "Yes. Therefore I am your brother, Georgi, do you see? I heard your Pater~noster ...." The body Hung itself up with a heave. "The machine-" He sprang to his feet. «My machine-I" "Leave it alone, Georgi, and listen to me.•••"
37
