Pivousek.—Things are not all going his way. Only four miners have given in so far. One is a drunkard, the other in curably lazy, and the third and fourth are sick men. (With conviction.) Of the others, not a single one ! And twenty so far have been discharged!
Tonicka.—Discharged?
Pivousek.—Yes indeed! At least he has threatened to dismiss them. But, (quietly looking around,) someone has told him, . . . it must have been Veverka . . .
Kralenec, Tonicka.—Veverka?
Pivousek.—Yes. He is there with Merfajt now. Some one has carried the news to Mr. Merfajt, that out of those twenty, at least half have said that they will do exactly what you do. To make a pledge is always easy, but to go hungry, gazing at frosted windows, . . . no one will enjoy it! So you are to come at once!
Kralenec.—I will be there in a minute!
Pivousek.—Good! God be with you! (Exit.)
Kralenec.—Good bye!
(Enter Veverka, frightened out of his senses.)
Scene VII
Veverka, Tonicka, Kralenec
Tonicka.—Well, and what does friend Veverka know? You look as though you had just seen a ghost!
Kralenec.—Did they dismiss you from work?
Veverka.—No, no . . .
Kralenec.—Well then, what is it?
Veverka.—For Heaven’s sake, I beg you, . . . support me, . . . you two, . . . especially you, Vojtech!
Kralenec.—What has happened to you?
Veverka.—I, . . . I, . . . you know, (falling into a chair,) I am dying.
Tonicka.—Veverko, you have . . .
Veverka.—For the love of Heaven, I beg of you, . . . but not you, . . . but not you, . . .
Kralenec (Stepping up to Veverka).—Talk sensibly! Did they drive you out, . . . or did you . . .
Veverka (Pugnaciously).—Yes, Vojtech, . . . I . . .
Tonicka.— . . . did just what they wished me to do!
