|
I agrees ter this and ter give 'em bliss— From Pew I learned the trick— I push 'em wide o' the wessel's side, And poke 'em down with a stick. |
(As soon as the pirates have left the cabin Betsy enters. She sees Joe but passes him in fright. She runs to the window and shields her eyes to see into the darkness.)
Betsy: God help the poor sailormen!
Joe: Betsy! Betsy! For the love of God!
(Suddenly the lighthouse light vanishes. And almost at once the ship's lantern shows at the window to the left. All sounds are hushed.)
Betsy: The ship 's in sight. I see her lights. She has rounded the farther cliff. I see her turning. She heads in from the sea. Her three masts are in line. She steers for the lantern. God have mercy! She 'll strike in another minute. (She stuffs her ears and runs from the window.) I can 't bear to listen. I can 't bear to look.
Joe: Betsy! Betsy! Do you hear? Margaret! Margaret!
(At the sound of Margaret she lifts her head, buried in her arms. She runs toward Joe. Her wits seem dazed.)
Joe: Quick! Margaret! Margaret! That knife! That knife on the stones! Margaret, cut me loose!
(Still dazed, moving as if in a dream, Betsy picks up the knife. She cuts Joe's cords. Joe seizes the gun that leans against the clock. He takes deliberate aim through the window. He fires. The window glass is shattered. The ship's lantern is hit. The light vanishes. He replaces the gun. Betsy stands beside him, looking in his face.)