Thirty Pieces of Silver: A Play in Three Acts by Howard Fast Read Free Book Online

before a Congressional Committee on charges of being a Communist and of being mixed up with the Soviets or the party here or whatever it is. That means inevitably that every friend of Agronsky’s will be checked and will come up before a loyalty board if he’s a government worker. The choice to us—and to you—is whether you go before the board or resign. We think it will be better for everyone concerned if you resign.
    DAVID But I’ve got nothing to, hide. That’s what I’m trying to get across to you. Even if I went before a loyalty board, I could prove that I’ve got nothing to hide and that I did nothing disloyal.
    CARMICHAEL We’re trying to be reasonable and sane, Graham. Do you know what will happen if you go up before a loyalty board and they recommend you for discharge?
    DAVID Why should they? That’s just what I’m trying to find out.
    CARMICHAEL ( smiling sympathetically ) They have found out all they need, you know. You might have trouble ever working again—anywhere.
    SELWIN ( to whom DAVID turns incredulously ) That’s right, Graham. That’s something we can’t close our eyes to. It would be a hell of a thing to go out of here disloyal , but it would be almost inevitable. The facts cannot be avoided. It’s not what you are, but what your associates are.
    DAVID But don’t you see—they came to me about Agronsky.
    CARMICHAEL ( with sudden interest ) Who did?
    DAVID The Department of Justice. I even helped them—all I could help them.
    CARMICHAEL They don’t seem to look at it that way, Graham.
    DAVID ( with sudden earnestness, leaning over the desk, his palms on it ) Look, Mr. Carmichael, I don’t like to plead any more than anyone else does …
    ( SELWIN watches a moment, then turns abruptly and goes to the window. )
    â€¦ but I think I deserve a break in this thing. Maybe I’ve lived to the last dollar I made and maybe that was wrong, but I’m broke now. I have a wife and a kid. Look—I was an infantryman, Mr. Carmichael. How could I be disloyal? I love my country as much as anyone does. My ancestors came over here in 1659 on my mother’s side, and even earlier on my father’s side. I’m not a Communist. I can give you my word of honour on that, my oath if you want it——
    CARMICHAEL ( with sudden harshness ) You don’t have to go into all that, Graham. I told you this isn’t something we decide. If you won’t accept our advice, if you prefer a board hearing—well, go to it. That’s all.
    DAVID ( straightening up and looking at CARMICHAEL , the final realization of defeat having sunk home ) I see. ( He turns and walks slowly toward the door. SELWIN makes as to approach and say something, takes a few steps, then stops and watches DAVID exit in silence. Then SELWIN turns to CARMICHAEL, who is leaning back in his swivel chair, looking at the Jar wall reflectively. )
    CARMICHAEL Not well done, was it? You look sick, Selwin.
    SELWIN Do I?
    CARMICHAEL You have the most peculiar conscience, you know.
    SELWIN I’m beginning to think that any conscience is peculiar.
    CARMICHAEL You’re not the type for cynicism, Fred. Anyway, I can’t share your concern. That’s not a very admirable character. When the department came to him, he helped them, didn’t he? No great solicitude for Agronsky. Now it’s his turn. This is not an age for heroes, Fred. This is not an age for morality. We have only one measure.
    SELWIN What is that? I’m eager to learn.
    CARMICHAEL Power.
    SELWIN That’s not a very new concept, is it?
    CARMICHAEL But the form changes to fit new circumstances.
    SELWIN How are we changing it, Mr. Carmichael? I. find the pattern recognizable—highly so, and——
    CARMICHAEL ( interrupting ) I wouldn’t go on in that vein.
    SELWIN ( He stares at CARMICHAEL for a moment, then smiles bitterly. ) I understand perfectly, Mr.