Unseen by PIKE, she pulls up the awning for a better
view, and drops lace curtains inside of window so as to screen herself
from observation. Sits watching.]
[Immediately upon HORACE'S exit MARIANO, flustered, enters hurriedly
from the hotel, goes to the gates, and fumbles with the lock. At the
same time VASILI enters from the garden, smoking.]
VASILI. You make progress, my friend?
PIKE. Your machine's like a good many people--got sand in its gear-box.
VASILI [to MARIANO]. Are you locking us in?
MARIANO [excitedly coming down and showing a big key which he has taken
from the lock]. No, Herr von Groellerhagen, I lock some one _out_--that
bandit who have not been capture. The carabiniere warn us to close all
gates for an hour. They will have that wicked one soon. There are two
companies. [In a lower tone to VASILI.] Monsieur Ribiere has much fears.
VASILI. Monsieur Ribiere is sometimes a fool.
MARIANO [in a hoarse whisper]. Monsieur, this convict is a Russian.
[VASILI waves him away somewhat curtly.]
[Exit MARIANO, shaking his head, carrying the key with him.]
PIKE. Two companies of soldiers! A town marshal out my way would 'a' had
him yesterday.
VASILI. My friend, you are teaching me to respect your country, not by
what you brag, but by what you do.
Pages:
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64