Alla. A mere trifle.
Sumyatov. So, what is it?
Alla. It is enough for us to know there real men still exist in this world, and they haven’t died out like mammoths.
Sumyatov. You are talking about the tamers of mammoths?!
Alla. Let it be your way. And don’t look at me so ironically.
Sumyatov. Not at all, I assure you!
Alla. I would say more. If such men don’t exist they should be invented.
Sumyatov. I guess modern men have done a bad turn to you…
Alla. Oh, those modern men! These sad and tiresome creatures are enable to bring happiness even in bed, not to mention other things.
Sumyatov. What are you talking about?
Alla. I say what I think.
Sumyatov. Then poor you…
Alla. Oh, don’t mention it. You’d better feel sorry for you.
Sumyatov. Why?
Alla. In case If we, women, would suddenly give up our romantic dreams. Who knows, where could it lead?
Sumyatov. Most likely to the fine aggressive amazons?
Alla. That’s why I am saying: don’t attempt upon dreams!
Sumyatov. Is it so dangerous?
Alla. Do not look so scared. I am not threatening you so far.
Sumyatov. Thanks a lot.
Victor Mancev enters.
Mancev. Levan, was there an evening mail today?
Levan. Sure there was, dear.
Манцев. What about me? Is it a letter or a telegram?
Levan. Sorry, my friend. Maybe tomorrow, eh?
Mancev. Let’s hope for the best.
Anna and Vasil Korobko, as well as Oleg Tomov enter.
Tomov. Oh, what a nice walk we just had, guys! (Singing). «A division was moving forward through the valleys and hills…”
Anna. It’s so quiet in the mountains by the evening, isn’t it, Vasil
Vasil. \speaking with a Ukrainian accent\ It sure is, my sweat heart!
Anna. I’d like some tea! I am feeling cold a bit.
Vasil. Levan, two cups of tea, please!
Levan. Would you like some cakes? They are absolutely fresh.
Vasil. No, I don’t need them.
Levan. Don’t need, don’t need! Again, the cakes are going to get dry. Take your tea and go, got it?!
Vasil. Annushka, please drink your tea while it’s hot.
Anna. Thanks, my dear!
Tomov. I’d have a stiffener now, what about you, Vasil? Just a little bit, since I am so tired.
Vasil. That’s true. But I don’t need it.
Tomov. Or maybe your wife makes you save money? So, just tell me the truth, don’t wag the tail like a dog.
Anna. Shame on you, Oleg!
Tomov. Go, tell me!
Vasil. Yes, a wife is a wife.
Anna. Got it?!
Tomov. You are such boring people. One can’t even have fun with you.
Anna. Why can’t? You are welcome but mind your jokes. Levanchik, dear, was there some mail?
Levan. Are you also waiting for a letter, eh?
Anna. Don’t be so curious. It doesn’t become to you!
Levan. What have I said? Why are you getting angry? Would you like a newspaper?
Anna. Take a guess!
Levan. You think I spare it, eh?
Tomov. Anna, Levan is a good guy. Don’t beat him, you will need him in future.
Anna. Go on, the floor is yours… (taking a newspaper).
Vasil. What are they saying, Annuska?
Tomov. What can they say? Just some idle things for emotional girls and old people.
Anna. Oleg, you are a pain in the neck. How many people told you this?
Tomov. Surprisingly, you are the only for today. Oh man! And she is my best friend’s wife!
Alla. Aren’t you going to defend honor?
Sumyatov. No, thanks.
Alla. Are you consoling yourself with the thought that It wasn’t addressed to you?
Sumyatov. It might be to me also. Whatever!
Anna. Oh, guys, I can’t believe it!
Levan. Hey, what’s that? Why are you shouting, eh?
Vasil. Can I look at it?
Tomov. It’s him! He looks so real.
Mancev. What’s the matter?
Anna. (reading). «On the photo: an adventurous conqueror of the forbidding Devil’s Fang mountain-climber Victor Mancev».
Tomov. Vityok, can I shake your brave hand?
Mancev. Why is there me only?
Vasil. Don’t get upset, we don’t mind at all.
Mancev. But why?!
Anna. Oh, there is an urgent message here.
Tomov. What’s that?
Anna. Don’t tear up the newspaper!
Mancev. Anna, read aloud.
Anna. (reading). «Avalanche in Mountains».
Tomov. Hey, everybody get silent!
Anna. (reading). «Last night the dwellers of the local villages heard a threatening rumble…» We heard nothing didn’t we, Vasil?
Tomov. You were sleeping like gophers in their holes.
Anna. Hey, you!
Mancev. Anna, go on!
Anna. «A mighty avalanche fell down at midnight sharp. At that moment a radio connection with a group of mountaineers climbing up the Devil’s Fang broke».
Tomov. The guys are totally screwed up!
Vasil. Don’t croak!
Anna. Spit three times and knock at a piece of wood right away!
Tomov. Well, if it helps them… Vasil, where is your head to knock at?
Anna. «By morning several rescue brigades headed for the mountains. However, the group of climbers have not been found yet. Their traces are lost».
Levan. No wonder they are lost! The devil is going to break his neck there. Believe me or not?
Mancev. That’ s why it is called the Devil’s Fang.
Tomov. This peak won’t have mercy on anyone. And it won’t let anyone back.
Anna. But we have gone through. Haven’t you forgotten?
Tomov. It’s by a fluke. Blind luck. I wouldn’t take such a risk for the second time. (Singing). «Hey, apple, where are you rolling? Should you get to the Devil’s Fang you won’t roll back»!
Anna. Vasil, Vitya, just tell him! Is there a hope?
Vasil. Just a slight one.
Mancev. In what area were they when the radio connection broke?
Anna. It doesn’t say.
Levan. Is there anything else?
Anna. Yes, there is. (Reading). «Before this accident the Devil’s Fang was conquered only by a group of climbers headed by the famous mountaineer Victor Mancev…»
Sumyatov. Alla, you see? Here is a bright confirmation of my words!
Alla. What are you talking about?
Sumyatov. Victor Mancev! The others are not even mentioned.
Alla. Come on! Does it really matter now?
Sumyatov. What about fairness? Where is fairness, I ask you?
Anna. Vasil, from now on you won’t go to the mountains without me, got it?!
Vasil. Without you – no way. Who am I going to look for there?
Tomov. God, damn those mountains!
Levan. Why are you saying that, eh? Listen, while we are coursing here they are perishing!
Tomov. That’s true, Levan! We should go to rescue them.
Anna. Vasil! Why are you silent?
Vasil. What should I say? If we go, let’s go then.
Levan. Aren’t we men, eh?!
Anna. Sure we are! Vitya, tomorrow morning we are starting, right?
Mancev. You know what guys… I can’t join you now.
Anna. Why?!
Tomov. What’s the matter Vityok? Are you crazy?
Mancev. Crazy? No. I just need to stay at this camp for one or two days.
Vasil. How are we going to go without you?
Mancev. At least one day. Try to understand me, it is very important!
Levan. We do understand you, dear! Believe it or not.
Mancev. Oh, whatever! (Leaving).
Sumyatov. You see, here is your idol in its true guise!
Alla. You think he got scared? I don’t believe it! No way!
Sumyatov. Don’t be such an idealist.
Alla. Okay! I bet you came here with a specific purpose and you are not going to give it up.
Sumyatov. With what purpose? Tell me! Don’t be shy!
Alla. To overthrow the idols – here is you purpose! You don’t even hide it.
Sumyatov. All or nobody. It would be just fair.
Alla. And the climber Victor Mancev is going to be the first victim of your noble intention?