COUNT—I thought so.
JUHASZ—What is next on the list, your excellency?
COUNT—The next is very serious. It concerns your protégé, Mate. We have
discovered that he is Goldberger’s spy.
JUHASZ—I don’t believe it, sir.
COUNT—[_Picks up a letter._] Perhaps this letter, written in his own
hand, may convince you. It is written to Goldberger, acknowledging
the receipt of two hundred kronen in payment for a full list of our
customers.... There is no possible doubt about it now.... The foreman
wanted the man discharged a month ago, but you refused to permit it.
JUHASZ—But I didn’t know he had done this, your excellency.
COUNT—Well, you know it now. And I trust you have no further doubt that
the man must be dismissed.
JUHASZ—Well ... if he has done this ... then ... I think the foreman
ought to dismiss him.
COUNT—The foreman ought? Oh, no, Juhasz! You’ll dismiss him yourself.
JUHASZ—[_Aghast._] I?
COUNT—It’s your last chance. Here is the letter. [_Gives it to him._]
Mate is waiting out there. You will tell him he is dismissed. [_Rings._]
I’ll be back in five minutes. If Mate is dismissed I’ll be willing to
believe that there is some hope you may mend your ways. If he’s not
dismissed, then, my son, you and I part company. [_SANTHA enters._] Send
Mate in here. [_SANTHA exits at left._] Five minutes!
JUHASZ—Excellency, may I ask one favor?
COUNT—Well?
JUHASZ—Make it ... ten minutes. It’s not so easy for me.
COUNT—Very good. Ten minutes. [_Takes out his watch._] What time have you
got?
JUHASZ—[_Takes out his watch._] Ten-thirty.
COUNT—At ten-forty Mate is dismissed or you leave this place to-day. [_He
exits at back. Left alone, JUHASZ scratches his head ruefully. PAULA
enters at right._]
JUHASZ—For goodness’ sake, Paula ... don’t come in now ... every moment
is precious.... [_Pushes her gently toward the door at right._]
PAULA—What’s the matter?
JUHASZ—I’ve no time to lose now.... I’ve got to hurt someone ... very
much ... in order to be able to stay near you ... and protect you. Don’t
ask me. [_Pushes her toward the door._]