Palisadian. [volume] (Cliffside Park, N.J.) 1906-current, 1918-12-14

| Marie (breathleSS) are COM
| ing, mother The Germans are COM
| ing.
Mother-Yes, and our people are
fleeing. See.
Marie-Refugees
Mother-Hurry. Gather together
your things and join them.
| Marie-And leave you here alone?
Oh, mother!
Mother-So you are determined,
then? Marie nOds.) Well, will not
argue I spent all my energy last
night in trying to persuade you.
Marie-God will be with us, mother.
(They kiss.)
Mother-See them all. Fleeing, fee
ing before tidal wave of Germans.
A tidal wave let loose by maddened
Emperor
Marie-If King Albert had given his
permission this tidal wave would now
be flowing harmlessly through our
country in place of destroying us.
Mother-Marie!
Marie-I know. I know. I am too
young to understand, but look, see
there pass our wounded soldiers on
the other side of the street, returning
from the terrible battle, retreating
with the people. Wagon after wagon
are filled with our wounded men. The
sight is terrible Oh, mother, was it
right for King ALBEIT to try and stop
them?
Mother-Marie, Father Jose came
in this morning. 1 will repeat his
words: Belgium is being sacrificed
upon the cross for the sins of the
world Millions will suffer in the de-
Tense Of right against might, and in
the end the world will find it's soul
and God"
Marie-But suppose the Germans
win?
] Mother-The Kaiser has betrayed
the world and will suffer as Judas.
So, Marie, we ought to be thankful
that our King saw fit to send our coun-
try to martyrdom rather than receive
a share of the thirty pieces of silver.
"a knock on the door, Come.
1 Marx enters, hobbling on cane.
He is stopped with age. Marie wheels
mother fOrward.)
Mother-Herr Marx / knew it.
Marx-Why not?
Mother-Yes. Why not? You have
come up every day for the last ten
years to pay your respects, so, of
course, why not today?
Marx was afraid 1 would not find
you. 1t is not yet too late.
Mother-I have not been out of this
room for years and years. (Forces a
smile.) l would miss it if left it
now
Marx-Marie and 1 can carry you
downstairs.
Mother-And then what?
Marx-Ah, yes! Then what? The
bumpy roads would jar you to death
Mother-What about you?
Marx-Me? Huh Let them come.
Let them come. I was born in this
town. Lived all my life in this town.
/ Hardly ever been outside of it's gates,
in fact. Let them come, 1 say. Do
you think will leave my home now
just for the sake of a few Heinies?
Pooh with them. points to Marie
who stands by the window What
about her?
| Mother-She insists on staying.
MarX-It will go hard with her.
| Mother merely smiles sadly.)
Marie Cat window)-There go our
soldiers.
Mother-MOre wounded?
Marie-No; not wounded. (Mother
is startled. Marx comforts herr
Marx-There, there They are re-
treating, true. But wait. Just you
wait. AS old as we are you and l will
yet see the day when they all come
back victorious.
Mother-Where is the King?
Marx saw him in sfront of the
town hall watching his men. He will
soon pass by, among the last to leave.
Mother-Our window?
Marx think so.
Mother-Marie, the flag, the flag.
1t waves on the pole. Pull it in.
Marie (puzzled)- Mother, what do
| you mean?
Mother-Pull it in. Pull it in. in
tend to stand at that window and
wave it for all l am worth when King
Albert passes.
Marie (frightened)- Mother!
Mother-Do as ask. Marie starts
| to haul in the f1ag.)
Marx-Marie, this may mean your
death. You have not been out of that
chair for ten years.
Mother-I will get strength some
how. You and Marie can support me.
/ (To Marie) Marie, please hurry. (Ma-