Kralenec.—Out of my home, I will drive nobody!
Merfajt.—You will not obey?
Kralenec.—No!
Merfajt.—And you will not follow the instructions of the company?
Kralenec.—I will not!
Merfajt.—And suppose we drive you out, and all these (pointing to the miners,) who wish to revolt with you?
Voices.—Then there will be a riot! Now we are at least peaceful!
Merfajt.—We shall see about that riot! The troops will settle that riot you are hatching! (More calmly, seeing that he has betrayed himself.) Kralenec, be sensible! Once more, I ask you to consider!
Kralenec.—You have heard my decision. And if I were to die of hunger or be shot, I would not change my answer.
Merfajt.—Then woe unto you and all the others! (Goes quickly away.)
All the miners (Crowding around Kralenec, shouting:).—Thank God, brother! Thank God!
ACT III
Same Room
Scene I
Dr. Houska, Kralenec, Tonicka, on the bed at the right, little Pepicek
Dr. Houska (Standing with Tonicka by the child’s bed, holding his hand while taking his temperature.) The child has a raging fever and is unconscious. Dear friends, I cannot give you much hope. (Leaving the bed.)
Tonicka (Greatly agitated).—Doctor, you mean to say . . .
Kralenec (Advancing toward the middle of the room, where the doctor stood).— . . . that there is no hope?
Dr. Houska.—The child has brain-fever, but with children, even illness beyond all hope sometimes has a turn for the better. Just be careful, see that nothing disturbs the boy or distresses him . . .
Tonicka (Despair).—Peace? Today!
