Whenever he reached a clear space, he went to one side, hiding
behind trees to look ahead. Then he ran across the open.
EMPEROR. Your proof of this, my lad?
PIERRE. His footprints in every clear space showed only the balls of the
feet.
EMPEROR. Good! You followed him only to the river.
PIERRE. Those were the orders, sire. Had I gone on, I could have overtaken
him by evening.
EMPEROR. That you could not, my lad, for the man is now here, in camp. He
returned by boat. Ladies, the test is over.
(_He turns to Pierre's mother._)
Madam, your son shall be my guide. I am proud to have a boy of such keen
sight and quick thought in my kingdom. And 't is much to be the mother of
such a lad. I salute you, madam! With greatest respect I salute you!
[_He bows to the happy woman with great courtesy._]
EMPEROR (_turning to the ladies_). Ladies, I bid you farewell.
CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS
SCENE I
TIME: _one morning; 1484_.
PLACE: _a street in front of King John's palace, Lisbon, Portugal. Gates to
courtyard of palace in background_.
* * * * *
CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS.
SCHOOLMASTER.
CARLOS.
ROQUE.[Footnote: Pronounced _R[=o]'k[=a]_.
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