Children are just like birds,—they seem to nourish themselves. It is hard to tell just how.
Brouzda.—Only they sing but little and eat a lot. It was lucky for you that two of them had the good sense to die.
Tonicka.—Lucky! Would that the good Lord would punish you for that! I pray you, Brouzda, have a little more care for your own, and don’t worry over other people’s children.
Brouzda.—As for that, I look out for myself, all right. I have eaten all the bread while I have been talking. You were right. But for my own frozen little nestlings, I have saved nothing. (Rising.)
Tonicka (Handing him a round loaf).—Here is another. And where are you going now?
Brouzda.—Oh, I have almost had enough of this business of being a vagabond. I am going to the mine to ask whether anyone has been let out. I would be satisfied with lower wages, . . .
Tonicka.—And you would also work accordingly. Is it not true?
Brouzda.—Everybody as he is able. Good luck to you here!
Tonicka.—God willing!
Brouzda.—And give my regards to Vojtech.
Tonicka.—I will tell him.
(Brouzda, leaving when he collides with Veverka in the door.)
Veverka.—Where is Vojtech?
Brouzda (To Veverka).—You are a queer bird. You run into a person . . .
Veverka.—And you would make a good scare-crow for the birds.
Brouzda (Laughed sarcastically).—Or perhaps a scare-crow for the human species of the feathered flock. (Goes off.)
Veverka (Retaliating).—But take care lest the crows carry you away! (To Tonicka.) Where is Vojtech?
Scene VII
Tonicka, Veverka, later Kralenec and Rokos
Tonicka.—He went out to join you. Haven’t you seen him at all?
Veverka.—Do you know the news?
Tonicka.—I do not.
Veverka.—The new superindent is already here. Things
