(_With a jolt Conrad sets the crucifix down and leans it against one of the large trees._)
(_Canzler goes toward it. Fritz quickly says something to Rudolph. The latter walks lack in the rear._)
RUDOLPH-- (_As if to draw him away._) Canzler, here.
CONRAD--There was a sheep's pelt lying in the bank--
CONRAD--It is the Christians' Irminsul. They chop Ours down to put theirs up.
FRITZ-- The men That followed Wiglaf must have put it up.
CONRAD--They're closing round us, Canzler, every day. If you say stay and fight through, for my part--
(_Suddenly Canzler turns and looks Conrad full in the face._)
(_After looking tip at the crucifix again, Canzler turns slowly and walks away left._)
(_When near the stump, Canzler again glances back; then drops his head and walks on among the trees. Conrad turns to Fritz._)
HARTZEL-- (_Apologetically, following him._) Canzler, I hope I have said nothing. I-- I did not mean flee--in that sense. (_Canzler goes out._) I meant Leave.
(_He goes out. The men stand looking after them. Rudolph comes forward._)
RUDOLPH-- (_Pointing to the crucifix._) Oswald.
RUDOLPH--No one has seen him since last night when Fritz--
RUDOLPH-- (_Quickly._) Here comes Canzler.
(_The men assume an expression of unconcern._)
CONRAD-- (_Aloud._) Whatever Canzler says. If he says stay--
(_Canzler appears among the trees. He stops and looks off through the forest to the right, and his brow darkens._)
FRITZ--And brought it out from town and put it up.
(_Rudolph lifts up the squirrels at Conrad's belt._)
CONRAD--There were not many in the woods to-day.
CANZLER-- (_Coming forward and giving his orders hastily._) Rudolph, you and Fritz go summon the men. Go with them, Conrad.
(_Fritz glances off through the forest, right._)
CANZLER--This afternoon. Be quick. (_The men start back left._)
FRITZ--(_Huskily._) Oswald. (_Conrad glances right._) Oswald.
(_Rudolph glances right, and the three go out in silence. Canzler, who has stepped left, stands in the shadow of one of the trees. A little later Oswald appears coming through the trees to the right. He is looking about as_ _if in search of something._)
CANZLER-- (_Firmly, but without passion._) There, there it is. Take it, take it and go.
(_Oswald moves slowly to the tree, takes the crucifix upon his shoulder, and, with bowed head, goes off right._)
