Great Scott!

[He comes down to left of stage.

Mrs. Rapkin.

They wouldn't be more things as you've been buying at that auction, sir, would they?

[The chant is heard now inside the house.

Horace.

No, no. It's a mistake! It must be a mistake!

Mrs. Rapkin.

Then I'd better go and tell them——

[She moves towards door to landing, but before she reaches it, it flies open mysteriously. A moment afterwards a tall, fierce Oriental in turban and robes appears in doorway and salaams. Mrs. Rapkin recoils with a cry. Then a train of black slaves enter, carrying large sacks, bales, and chests, which they deposit on the table and floor, till the room is completely blocked; their chief stands down on right, with his back to the audience, and directs them by gestures.