Page:Thea von Harbou Metropolis eng 1927.pdf/54

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METROPOLIS closed a brain which was worthy of yOUf own, Joh Frederseo. and he had to perish because he once lost his way. What a pity for him ..." "Where did he lose his wayP" asked Joh Fredersen. Rotwang looked long at him hefore speaking. «In the city of graves, over which Metropolis stands," he answered at last. "Deep below the moles' tunnels of youx underground railway, Joh Fredersen. lies the thousand-yearold Meh'opolis of the thousand-year-old dead .. :' Job Fredersen was silent. His left eyebrow rose, while his eyes narrowed. He nxed his gaze upon Rotwang, who had not taken his eyes from him. "What is the plan of this city of graves doing in the hands and pockets of my workmenP" "That is yet to be discovered," answered Rotwang. "Will you help me?" "Yes."

"Tonight?" "Very well,"

"I shall come back after the changing of the shift." "Do so. Joh Fredersen. And if you take some good advice . .. ," WeIlP "Come in the uniform of your workmen, when you come back'" Joh Fredersen raised his head but the great inventor did not let him speak. He raised his hand as one calling for and admonishing to silence. "The skull of the man in the red shoes also enclosed a powerful brain, Joh Fredersen, but nevertheless, he could not Bnd his way homewards from those who dwell down there . .." Joh Fredersen reflected. He nodded and turned to go. "Be courteous, my beautiful Parody," said Rotwang. "Open the doors for the Master over the great Meh"opolis:' The being glided past Joh Fredersen. He felt the breath of coldness which came forth from it. He saw the silent laughter between the half-open lips of Rotwang, the great inventor. He turned pale with rage, but he remained silent.

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