The Thirteenth Chair: A Play in Three Acts

by Bayard Veiller

CROSBY. Wait and see. (To ROSALIE.) You don't object to this?

ROSALIE. Oh, no, sir.

(BUTLER enters from door L.—comes well on stage.)

CROSBY. Oh, Pollock, I want you to put these keys in your pocket. (Hands them to him. POLLOCK puts them in his waistcoat pocket.)

POLLOCK. Yes, sir.

CROSBY (L.C.). Now then, I want you to take the key out of that door, and lock it on the outside, understand?

POLLOCK. Perfectly, sir.

CROSBY. Then take the key from the lock and put that one in your pocket also, after that you are to stand outside that door, and you are not to unlock it until I tell you to. Understand?

POLLOCK. Yes, sir, I'm to lock this door on the outside, keep the key in my pocket, and then stay just outside, and not open it for anyone until you tell me.

CROSBY. Exactly. (General buzz of conversation. POLLOCK goes to the door L., takes out the key and exits, closing the door after him. The key is heard turning in the lock.) Now then, Mason, you'd better try that door, too. (MASON goes over and tries the door L. CROSBY follows him. Speaking through the door L.) Are you there, Pollock?