BURGOYNE.
(brusquely). Nonsense, sir; you hanged Dudgeon at Springtown.
RICHARD.
It was my uncle, General.
BURGOYNE.
Oh, your uncle. (To Swindon, handsomely) I beg your pardon, Major Swindon. (Swindon acknowledges the apology stiffly. Burgoyne turns to Richard) We are somewhat unfortunate in our relations with your family. Well, Mr. Dudgeon, what I wanted to ask you is this: Who is (reading the name from the letter) William Maindeck Parshotter?
RICHARD.
He is the Mayor of Springtown.
BURGOYNE.
Is William—Maindeck and so on—a man of his word?
RICHARD.
Is he selling you anything?
BURGOYNE.
No.
RICHARD.
Then you may depend on him.
BURGOYNE.
Thank you, Mr.—’m Dudgeon. By the way, since you are not Mr. Anderson, do we still—eh, Major Swindon? (meaning “do we still hang him?”)
RICHARD.
The arrangements are unaltered, General.