Canzler—Where could we flee?
Fritz— We have already fled.
Canzler—No.
(Hartzel turns and, with his face to the ground, walks slowly left.)
Rudolph—Canzler, listen to me.
(Unnoticed, Conrad appears coming through the trees on the right. Several young squirrels hang from the belt about his waist and in his right hand is a cross-bow. Upon his left shoulder he carries the crucifix which he has pulled up, post and all.)
Canzler— The red ax
They swung at Verden swings clear round the North
And her great head falls.
(With a jolt Conrad sets the crucifix down and leans it against one of the large trees.)
Where did that come from?
Conrad—Over on the road; by the bridge.