The Captain leads the
boys from the tent._]
SCENE II
TIME: _two hours later_.
PLACE: _the Emperor's tent; the Emperor's room_.
* * * * *
THE EMPEROR.
FIRST AIDE.
SECOND AIDE.
LUDWIG.
* * * * *
[_The_ EMPEROR _is seen sitting at a table looking at maps. Enter an_ AIDE.
_He salutes._]
EMPEROR. Well?
AIDE. The prisoner has returned, sire.
EMPEROR. What prisoner?
AIDE. The one sent out for the test, sire.
EMPEROR. Who was sent?
AIDE. Ludwig, the prisoner who has been ill for so long.
EMPEROR. Ah, yes; bid him enter.
(_Aide goes; he reenters with_ LUDWIG, _who wears an old, torn army cloak
over his uniform. He salutes._)
I notice you are a bit lame, Ludwig.
LUDWIG. Yes, sire; in my left leg. My dog was hit at the same time.
EMPEROR. Does your dog go to battle with you?
LUDWIG. If he can slip into the ranks, sire. He always goes where I go,
sire.
EMPEROR. Then he went with you to-day, of course?
LUDWIG. Yes, sire.
EMPEROR. You are sure the boys didn't see you?
LUDWIG. No one saw me. I kept a sharp lookout. When I came to a clear space
I went to one side, hiding behind trees, to look ahead.
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