Chapter 98

ROBERT, _alone; later_, GODFREY; finally MÖLLER _with two workingmen_.

ROBERT (_looks for some time after_ KATHARINE; _then walks up and down_).

I wonder whether she will come? Whether she will leave her father for my sake?

[_Stops_.]

I shall go into the world as a hunter. I am young, strong, and understand my profession thoroughly--why should I not succeed?

[_Losing himself in thought_.]

And then--when I come home from the forest--healthily tired out by my work in the open air--and she has been watching for me--and comes to meet me--and takes my gun, so as to have something to carry--and hangs it on her shoulder--and my hunter's house standing like that one yonder--the trees rustling--and I holding her in my arms, exclaiming jubilantly: Only that happiness is happiness which one owes to one's own efforts!--And then--

[_The report of a gun is heard, and startles him_.]

GODFREY (_still behind the scenes, groaning_).

Scoundrel!

ROBERT.

What is that?

GODFREY (_staggers upon the scene_; ROBERT _hurries toward him and catches him just as he is falling down_).

I--am--done for--

ROBERT.

Godfrey! For heaven's sake! Has some one shot you? Hallo! Is nobody near? Hallo! Help!

MÖLLER (_behind the scenes_).

Hurry up, men! Over there! The shouting comes from the path!

ROBERT.

People are coming. Come here, come here! Help!

MÖLLER (_as before_).

That is Mr. Robert's voice.

ROBERT.

If help is to be of any avail here, it must come quickly.

[_Opens_ GODFREY'S _coat and vest_.]

MÖLLER.

To be sure, it is you, Mr. Stein.

[_Enters with two workingmen_.]

But--

ROBERT.

Möller, is that you? Look here what has happened!--Are you still alive, Godfrey?

GODFREY.

Still--but--

MÖLLER (_coming up_).

Godfrey! Merciful heavens!

ROBERT.

Shot from ambush. The bullet entered at the back.

MÖLLER.

Godfrey, speak! Who did it?

GODFREY.

He had--the rifle--with the yellow strap--

ROBERT.

Andrew's rifle?

GODFREY.

He--threatened--to shoot me--

ROBERT.

It is not possible.

MÖLLER.

Was it Andrew, Godfrey?

GODFREY.

Andrew--yes--

MÖLLER.

He is dying.

[_Pause_.]

Take him up, men. And you, Mr. Stein--this here is a nest of murderers. Come along. There are others about here lying in ambush. Just now we met Weiler with a gun--that vicious fellow. He was out spying, that's clear. It is a regular hunt. Come along! But, for heaven's sake, why will you not--

ROBERT.

Never mind! Go ahead.

MÖLLER.

But what do you intend to do? And your father--if I leave you alone in danger--if I do not bring you home with me! How will he ever believe me, that I tried to persuade you?

ROBERT.

Why, you have witnesses here with you. When I say a thing I mean it--I am going to stay here.

[_Walks up and down in agitation_.]

MÖLLER.

Well, come along, men. You have heard it.

[_While going out_.]

Good heavens! How will it all end?

[_The men have lifted up the corpse; exeunt with_ MÖLLER.]