ERN. Oo!
GERVASE. Yes, I thought that would move you—and I want you to ask your mother if you can bring me some breakfast up here. Now, listen very carefully, because we are coming to the important part. Hard-boiled eggs, bread, butter, and a bottle of milk—and anything else she likes. Tell her that it's most important, because your old friend Mallory whom you shot white mice with in Egypt is starving by the roadside. And if you come back here with a basket quickly, I'll give you as many bull's-eyes as you can eat in a week. (Very earnestly) Now, Ernest, with all the passion and emotion of which I am capable before breakfast, I ask you: have you got that?
ERN (nodding). Going 'ome. (He looks at the half-crown again.)
GERVASE. Going 'ome. Yes. But—returning with breakfast. Starving man—lost in forest—return with basket—save life. (To himself) I believe I could explain it better to a Chinaman. (To ERN) Now then, off you go.
ERN (as he goes off). 'Ad my breakfast.
GERVASE. Yes, and I wonder if I shall get mine.
(GERVASE walks slowly after him and stands looking at him as he goes down the hill. Then, turning round, he sees another stranger in the distance.)
GERVASE. Hullo, here's another of them. (He walks towards the log) Horribly crowded the country's getting nowadays. (He puts on his coat.)
(A moment later a travelling Peddler, name of SUSAN, comes in singing. He sees GERVASE sitting on the log.)
SUSAN (with a bow). Good morning, sir.