Carlyon Sahib Part 37

VERA.

Where do you want to go?

[_Tries to bring him back._

CARLYON.

[_With a full return of his old manner._] Back beyond the frontier! To the Bhojal Mountains where the rebels went! I will go to the men who know me and hate me, and wors.h.i.+p my broken sword!

VERA.

[_To_ RHEINHARDT, _whispering_.] What can it be?

CARLYON.

[_Swaying as he stands, his hands to his brow._] If I could only see with this blood in my eyes! [_Breaking out with an effort._] This time I come as their friend, with a sword that is not broken.

_Enter_ ADENE _followed by_ NURSE _from sick-room_. CARLYON _points at him_.

Go, marry your cripple, O you who might have been great! He is fit for a half-bribed murderess and a coward! Great G.o.d, how I despise you all!

Oh, shall I kill you where you stand, or----

[_Reels and clutches the veranda post for support._ RHEINHARDT, _who has watched closely all the time, and looked also at the things on the table, starts forward_.

RHEINHARDT.

Ach, Himmel! the poisoned knife!

CARLYON.

You lie! It is only my eyes that are filled with blood.

VERA.

[_Running to him._] There is no blood in your eyes. Father! Father!

[CARLYON _lifts the knife to his lips, tastes the edge, and drops it with a gesture of despair_.

CARLYON.

Back! Don't touch me, and I shall not die yet!

[ADENE _moves across to_ RHEINHARDT _and speaks with him_.

RHEINHARDT.

That is it! But what poison! He must be stopped!

CARLYON.

[_With a flash of his old manner as he moves off._] Out of my path, sir!

I am still Carlyon!

[_He sweeps_ RHEINHARDT _aside, then falls_. RHEINHARDT _loosens his collar_.

RHEINHARDT.

Fetch my case. [_Exit_ NURSE _to house_.] Bring that water.

[VERA _brings it and supports_ CARLYON'S _head. They put it to his lips._

VERA.

[_To_ RHEINHARDT.] What?

NURSE _re-enters with case_.

RHEINHARDT.

Ach! [_Throws up his hands, suggesting no hope._

[_The_ PUNKAH BOY _has during this slipped across the stage to the place where_ CARLYON _dropped the knife_. VERA _and_ ADENE _gaze at one another across the body_.

NURSE.

Ah, what is that boy doing?

ADENE.

He is kissing the knife that Carlyon threw away.

THE END.