ALMERIC

[coming down]

Hallo, though! It's the donkey man, isn't it? How very odd! You'll have to see the Governor and our solicitor about the settlement. I've some important business here. The police are chasing a bally convict chap under the [pg 071] cliffs over yonder, so you'll have to excuse me. I'll have to be toddling.

[Goes up to terrace wall overlooking cliffs.]

You know there's nothing like a little convict shooting to break the blooming monotony—what?

[The bugle sounds. ALMERIC turns and rushes off.]

Wait for me, you fellows! Don't hurt him till I get there!

[His voice dies away in the distance.]

PIKE

[turning to ETHEL with slow horror]