Nicolaas. That I am quite willing to believe.
D’Eglantiers. Silence! Is there any factory in this commune?
Nicolaas. There are six, in which hundreds of people earn their living.
D’Eglantiers. Monopoly must be abolished. Every one ought to be allowed freely to make what he likes. Therefore all the factories must be sacked.
Nicolaas. The factories sacked? Is that the freedom you are bringing us? (Turning to the Notables.) And you are going to allow this? (Confusion in the meeting.)
D’Eglantiers. Silence! Volontaires! the first man that contradicts, you are to shoot through the head. Otherwise free discussion becomes an impossibility.
[The Volunteers take aim.]
Michiel (quaking with terror). Of course—the Cap—Captain is right. The—(in confusion)—the factories must take his word for it. What a kind amiable man the Captain is! Long live the Captain!
D’Eglantiers. All the ready money in the village must at once be placed in my hands, in order to clothe my valiant troops.
Nicolaas. They can take care of themselves in that respect (Points at Pluckx.)