blackborough. [Casting his care on Providence.] We shall manage somehow. Why, if you had died suddenly . . or let us say, never been born. . .
trebell. Then, Blackborough . . speaking as a dying man . . if you go back on the integrity of this scheme, I'll haunt you. [Having said this with some finality, he turns his back.]
cantelupe. Cyril, I agree with what Trebell is saying. Whatever happens there must be no tampering with the comprehensiveness of the scheme. Remember you are in the hands of the extremists . . on both sides. I won't support a compromise on one . . nor will they on the other.
horsham. Well, I'll confess to you candidly, Trebell, that I don't know of any man available for this piece of work but you.
trebell. Then I should say it would be almost a relief to you if O'Connell tells on me to-morrow.
farrant. We seem to have got off that subject altogether. [There comes a portentous tap at the door.] Good Lord! . . I'm getting jumpy.
horsham. Excuse me.
A note is handed to him through the half opened door; and obviously it is at edmunds whom he frowns. Then he returns fidgetting for his glasses.
Oh, it turns out . . I'm so sorry you were blundered in here, Trebell . . this man . . what's his name . . Edwards . . had been reading the papers and thought it was a cabinet council . . seemed proud of himself. This is from Wedgecroft . . scribbled in a messenger office. I never can read his writing . . it's like prescriptions. Can you?
It has gradually dawned on the three men and then on trebell what this note may have in it. farrant's hand even trembles a little as he takes it. He gathers the meaning himself and looks at the others with a smile before he reads the few words aloud.