What?

LILIOM

Outside . . . like the rattle of swords. [FICSUR listens. After a pause, LILIOM continues.] What do I say to him?

FICSUR

You say good evening to him and: “Excuse me, sir; can you tell me the time?”

LILIOM

And then what?

FICSUR

By that time I’ll have stuck him—and then you take your knife—— [He stops as a POLICEMAN enters at back.]