Page:Poet Lore, volume 34, 1923.djvu/495

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THE PISTOL OF THE BEG[1]

By K. M. Capek

Translated from the Czech by E. D. Schonberger

Characters

Karl Burris, lieutenant of the Reserves, and administrator of the Harshaw estate
Lena heiress of Harshaw
Erna, her half sister
Bara, a housekeeper
Dr. Dustin, the family physician
Steward
A Nurse
A Postal Messenger
Servants
Two Officers, from the infantry regiment

Scene I

The scene is laid at Harshaw Manor, a large country estate on the edge of Bohmerwald, in the time of the Bosnian occupation.

Act I a room in the castle.

Act II same as Act I.

Act III the private office of the administrator.

ACT I

A room in the castle. The furniture represents no one period, but on the whole it is in good taste. On the walls hang pictures of hunting scenes in thin gilt frames, and antlers with other trophies of the hunt. It is a peculiarly arched chamber, dismal and gloomy, in spite of the fact that it has been recently redecorated in bright colors, which serve only to bring the objects on the walls into sharp relief. Cleanliness rather than order prevails.

At back C. is an arched doorway, with an imposing door, heavily barred. At the right an old fashioned alcove with divan. At left is another alcove effect with door leading to the kitchen. The

  1. Copyright 1924 by THE POET LORE CO. All rights reserved.