on the way to Beroun, and I will send you a division of cavalry with more ammunition.

Tomeš.—Many thanks to you, Count.

Dejm.—Just try to protect the lives of all your people. (Gives him his hand.) I must go now.

Tomeš (Quickly).—Just one more question, Count. Is Marie still at the castle?

Dejm.—I do not know. I could not and dared not talk further with either the Count or the Countess. I only know that the Countess went off a short time ago in the direction of the game-keeper’s lodge. So God protect you now, noble youth, and be not only heroic but cautious as well. Near Prague, if not in Prague we shall meet again.

Tomeš.—Goodbye, noble Count. You will hear from me soon! (Dejm departs) Now to the field, so that all will be made ready!

Jírak.—The count was speaking about arms. I believe there will be enough of them. We have about eighty rifles in all,.and in close-range conflict we must depend upon the weapons we are accustomed to using.

(Departs to the right among the cliffs. Lída approaches toward him with slow steps, her face pale, looking downcast.)

Tomeš.—Lída, are you here? Whom are you seeking?

Lída (Raising her eyes, fixes them upon Tomeš with a long look).—Since you ask me, I must tell you . . . (her eyes drooping to the ground) my father!

Tomeš.—He went away, but he will return at once. (Motions to Jírak to go among the cliffs.) I will follow you at once! (Jírak disappears, Tomeš to Lída with lowered voice.) If you wish to go with me, you will find your father in the camp in Vrána’s field.

Lída (Painfully).—If I wish to go with you? (Glancing at the departing Jírak) Tomsi, it was not destined that I should go with you, I must be satisfied to follow after you. Just like the cur that you drive away with stones a hundred times, and yet he returns to your very heels . . . (quickly and wildly) Tomsi, why must I bear such cruel and undeserved pain for you? Why