Page:The Prime Minister by Hall Caine.djvu/140

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116
THE PRIME MINISTER

Margaret.
[In a breathless whisper.] You don't mean—Otto?

Fritz.
Yes, Otto—your brother Otto.

Margaret.
[Dazed, stunned.] You say that your Council has chosen Otto——

Fritz.
Chosen is not the right word for it, Margaret. We drew lots.

Margaret.
But this is impossible—incredible. A boy—twenty years of age—While you grown men—Uncle, this cannot be.

Doctor.
It can and must, Margaret. Since destiny has chosen your brother to do this work for his Fatherland, he must do it.

Margaret.
And you ask me to help him? Me? [Her voice breaks.] You know what I've been to Otto since mother died. " Take care of Otto," she said, and I promised her I would. I've done it, too, putting everything else aside. And now you ask me to help him to commit this crime—to run the risk of prison, the dock! [Hotly.] I won't do it! More than that, I will see that Otto doesn't either.

Fritz.
And pray lion will you manage that?