Jordán.—I am in a great hurry, Count. I can only thank you for your extended hospitality.

Beauvalle.—We will take you away. (In the forest is heard a scream.) Count Dejm, is it your pleasure? (Invites them to depart. In the forest is heard the report of a gun. Then another scream. Beauvalle in the greatest excitement . . .) Who shot? Gamekeeper, the warden at home . . . (Excitedly) That the shot of a poacher . . . Gamekeeper, Warden!

Beauvalle, Dejm, Jordán, the gamekeeper, Havelka, coming out from the cottage. Marie, frightened, behind him.

Dejm (Pacifying Beauvalle).—Count, calm yourself!

Beauvalle (To the game warden, without listening to Dejm).—Who is in the park,—who is in the forest? No one went in from the castle! They must be poachers!

Havelka (With fear, yet firmly).—I will at once trail the poacher. Heaven pity him if I catch him today!

Beauvalle.—My gun, (the game warden runs for one.) I will go with you! He must not escape!

Dejm.—Calm yourself, Count, your blood is heated now! Do not lose control of yourself! (Game warden brings weapons.)

Beauvalle.—Excuse me, Count, and you, Mr. Court Commissioner, (taking a hasty leave of them)—there is need of swift and decisive action here. I beg you, go now to the castle and excuse me for a while. (To the warden) You go quickly along the road, (pointing to the right) and I will take the park road. You, (to the magistrate) come with me. We must get him, and heaven have mercy upon him!

(The warden goes as he is directed, Beauvalle and the magistrate disappear into the forest. Dejm with Jordán take the road to the castle.)

Marie (Who remained unnoticed).—Heaven protect him,—What if Tomeš fired that shot! (Wringing her hands, hastens into the wood.)