I will tell them to bring the horse. [Exit Vera.
[Carlyon crosses r., throws himself down again in the chair, in an attitude of utter weariness, his hands over his eyes. Selim during the last words has stolen out from the trees and creeps towards Carlyon with the knife. Carlyon moves his hands from his eyes, sees Selim's shadow, and starts swiftly forward as Selim springs upon the chair from behind. A brief struggle follows, Selim shouting, Carlyon silent. Carlyon gets the knife, flings Selim down off the stage l., pursues him for one instant to stab him finally, and returns. There is a slight red scratch on Carlyon's forehead.
Re-enter Vera hurriedly.
Vera.
Father, Father! Are you hurt?
Carlyon.
[Furious, with the knife uplifted.] Did you mean it? Did you know he was there?
Vera.
No, no! Oh, are you safe? [Pause. He is trembling with excitement.