The climbers

by Clyde Fitch

Warden. [Almost tenderly.] Shall we go inside?

Blanche. No, no! Let us stay out in the air; my head would burst in one of these close little rooms. Have you seen mother?

Warden. No, not yet.

Blanche. Where is Dick? Did he go to Ryder's?

Warden. No, but I have some good news to tell you all the same—Ryder has promised silence.

Blanche. [With tremendous relief.] Oh! that's too good, too good to be true! To whom did he promise?

Warden. I want you not to ask me that.

Blanche. I can guess, it was—

Warden. [Lying.] No, it was—Mason.

Blanche. [Doubting him.] Mr. Mason?