Under Western Eyes. Joseph Conrad

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      COPYRIGHT INFORMATION

      Copyright © 2012 by Frank J. Morlock

      Published by Wildside Press LLC

      www.wildsidebooks.com

      DEDICATION

      For Milan Jurecka

      CAST OF CHARACTERS

      Haldin

      Razumov

      The Prince

      General Tulayev

      Peter Ivanovitch

      N. N.

      Yakovlitch (who does not speak)

      Nathalie Haldin

      Eleanor Maximovna

      Sophia Antonovna

      Seven men, three women

      Time: After the Revolution of 1905.

      ACT I

      SCENE 1

      A small but tidy student’s room belonging to Razumov, about the turn of the century.

      There is a desk, lots of books, and a bed. Razumov is a serious student. He is working over some papers, when Haldin, also a student, enters after a knock.

      Razumov (looking up from his work)

      Haldin—is that you? This is indeed unexpected. Come, sit down and have a smoke.

      Haldin (nervously)

      Are you busy? Am I interrupting you?

      Razumov

      Well, I’ve set my heart on the silver medal, and I was about to tackle the essay.

      Haldin

      Very commendable. Your diligence is known throughout the university.

      Razumov

      It’s nice of you to say so.

      Haldin

      Kirylo Sidorovitch, we are not exactly in the same camp. Your judgment is more philosophical than mine. You are a man of few words—but I haven’t met any one, no not one student, who doubted the generosity of your sentiments.

      Razumov

      I’m flattered.

      Haldin

      You are solid—and solidity like that cannot exist without character. You do not throw your soul to the winds. Your reserve has always fascinated me. So, I tried to remember your address. It was a wonderful piece of luck. I remembered correctly. I met no one on the stairs—not a soul.

      Razumov

      Well, I’m delighted you came to see me. It’s terrible weather, and I could use a visit. I’m reserved, but I’m not really unfriendly.

      Haldin

      It happened I was near your apartment, and I wanted to talk with you about the events that occurred this morning.

      Razumov

      Ah, you mean the assassination of the Minister of the Interior? Yes, everyone’s talking about it. An astounding event.

      Haldin (calmly)

      It was I who removed that august civil servant this morning.

      (Pause.)

      Razumov (aside)

      There goes my silver medal.

      Haldin

      You say nothing! I understand your silence. To be sure, I cannot expect you, with your frigid English manners, to embrace me. But, you know what that man was doing. He had to be stopped—and I, I stopped him. Yes, brother, I killed him. Still, it’s weary work. True, the man was a maniac, but it is a pity to have to kill anyone. But anyone who can declare solemnly that, “The thought of liberty never existed in God’s mind,” has to be removed from office one way or another.

      Razumov (slowly)

      How did it happen? All I heard was that he had been killed in broad daylight.

      Haldin

      He was driving to his office in his sleigh. We’ve had knowledge of his movements for some time. The Central Committee appointed Markov and myself to dispatch him— I haven’t slept for ten days— Anyway, Markov threw the first bomb. It killed the driver, but the Minister was unharmed. A crowd formed, of course. I was posted further down the street. When I saw what had happened, I came up behind the crowd and lobbed my bomb over their heads. That finished him.

      Razumov

      And you got away?

      Haldin

      As you see. I certainly didn’t expect to. When the bomb went off, everyone started running, and I was no more conspicuous than anyone else. Actually, it was so easy, I couldn’t believe it.

      Razumov

      But, why come to me? Certainly you had made plans to escape.

      Haldin

      Of course, of course. I went to Ziemianitch. He is a peasant who keeps horses for hire. Unfortunately, he was not there, and so, I thought it better not to arouse suspicion by staying around. So, here I am.

      Razumov

      But, pardon me, Victor Victorovitch, we barely know each other. I don’t see why you—

      Haldin

      Confidence.

      Razumov

      In me?

      Haldin

      I told you. You are much respected. We know your heart is in the right place.

      Razumov

      It seems I have a reputation I wasn’t aware of.

      Haldin

      I am not a destroyer. The true destroyers are those who destroy the human spirit. Men like me are necessary to make room for self contained, thinking men like you. Well, we have prepared for the sacrifice of our lives. But, since I have come off so well, I want to escape if it can be done. It is not my life I want to save, but my powers to act: I won’t live idle. Oh, no! Don’t make any mistake, Razumov, men like me are rare. Besides, my escape will drive the police frantic—not to mention the Tsar.

      Razumov

      What do you want me to do?

      Haldin

      Help me to vanish.

      Razumov

      You want to stay here?

      Haldin

      Only for a short time. No great risk in that as no one has seen me come. Go and see Ziemianitch for me.

      Razumov

      What am I to tell him?

      Haldin

      Tell him, “Kolya will meet you half an hour after midnight, at the seventh lamppost counting from the upper end of Kesabelnaya Street.”

      Razumov

      Are you certain you were seen by no one when you came here?

      Haldin

      I’m as sure as I can be. I waited for two hours before coming up.

      Razumov

      Still, you’re a noticeable person— Yes—of course, I will go. You must give me precise instructions, and for the rest—depend on me.

      Haldin (embracing him)

      I knew I could count on you. You’re collected, cool, a regular Englishman. There aren’t many like you. Look here, brother: Men like me leave no posterity—but their souls are not lost. No man’s soul is ever lost. It works for itself, or else where would be the