Page:Alien Souls by Achmed Abdullah (1922).djvu/135

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again—a few years hence—to die again—perhaps to win—

Plotkine

Oh, you wish to reconquer what you have lost?

Touati

Of course.

Plotkine

Yes, I see; you love your country. And I love mine. But must we die on the battlefield to prove our love?

Touati

It's the best proof.

Plotkine

No. It's the last proof.

Touati

The last proof only for ourselves. There are others will come after us.

Plotkine (suddenly, with a loud, gurgling voice)

Oh, Mary, Mother of Jesus, pray— (He dies.)

Touati (calls)

Oh, captain, captain— (Pause.) Oh, he's dead. I knew when he asked me, that he'd go out before I would. A shot through the chest—of course. But why should I have told him? (Smiles.) And I don't think Lisaveta will kill herself. (Pause.) After all, it's quite indifferent one way or the other. (Laughs.) Queer people, these Christians—

(Lance-Corporal Nadj Haniech appears from the distance; Touati hears his footsteps, and calls to him.)

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