The White Plague [Volume: 7(1988), pp. 431-504]

458 KAREL CAPEK
SIGELIUS
Now Ward Thirteen presents an entirely different picture. Ward Thirteen
is where we have been testing our new treatment. But Your Excellency
can judge for himself...
(The MARSHAL enters Ward Thirteen, followed by SIGELIUS and the
DOCTORS. The rest of his party peers hesitantly through the door, then
files in. The only sound is SIGELIUS' muffled voice coming from the
ward.)
OFFICIAL (offstage)
Stop! Stop!
GALEN (running in)
No! I've got to see them!
OFFICIAL (running in after him)
Stop him! (Two of the ORDERLIES grab GALEN.) Who are you and
what are you doing here?
GALEN
I've got to see my patients!
(The DEPUTY ASSISTANT runs in holding a bottle of cologne.)
OFFICIAL
Do you know this man?
DEPUTY ASSISTANT
His name is Galen, sir.
OFFICIAL
Has he any reason to be here?
DEPUTY ASSISTANT
Yes. I mean... Well, yes. He works in Ward Thirteen.
OFFICIAL
Well then forgive me, Galen... Let him go... Why didn't you come
before nine like the other doctors?
GALEN (rubbing his arms)
I... I was busy. Preparing medicine for my patients.
DEPUTY ASSISTANT (in an undertone)
Dr. Galen was not invited.