Compelled, the marine obeys. Into his bronzed face leaps surprise as he rises. After getting one arm about his helper's neck, he pauses suddenly.
The Marine: Look here, you ain't in no shape to stand us both—
The Naked Man: Be quiet, brother! We are going home, and you need not doubt my strength. Come, let us go.
They start away, the marine moving by awkward hops, but moving. The conscript holds to the arm of the naked man, throwing him sidelong glances of frightened surmise—and at length checks himself abruptly.
The Conscript: I don't know if I'm out of my head—no, no! It's an impossibility. I'm afraid even to think of it—
The naked man smiles. Behind them the German once more opens his eyes and looks about in wonder.
The German: Where are they gone? No one is here—they were talking, yet I see no one. I can see no one!
The naked man casts over his shoulder a look of ineffable sorrow. From him comes a murmur.
The Naked Man: No, you can see no one. You cannot even see ME! And that, as you shall come to know, is hell.
LES DEUX CORTEGES