Rat-catcher (greatly relieved). It was. (Getting up.) Let's have Archie on, and see if he can amuse them a bit more. (Aloud.) I must finish my tale anon. Stay here, sweet child, what time I fetch my trusty terrier. (Exit.)
Maid. 'Tis a strange story he tells. How different from my own simple life. Born of proud but morbid parents....
Archie. What's up? Stick to it.
Me. Have you got such a thing as a trusty terrier on you?
Archie (feeling up his sleeve). No.
Me. Well, the audience will be extremely disappointed if I don't bring one back. I practically promised them I would. Look here, why don't you come on and help? Everybody is getting horribly bored with us.
Archie (delightedly). Oh, all right.
Enter Rat-catcher and Conjuror.
Maid. But behold he returns again!
Rat-catcher (excitedly). Great news, fair lady, which this long-legged, scurvy fellow I told you of will impart to us.