(Gong, and flash of lightning. Venus is again transfixed in same position as Scene I.)
Alph. She’s gone, and left her statue here behind her, and in exactly the same way as she was in those cursed gardens! Ah, a good thought! I might be able to get that ring. It can’t hurt it if I broke its finger off with the poker—it’s only stone! I’ll try. (He picks up poker, and just as he lifts it to strike Venus, flash of lightning and gong.—Business.—He drops poker.) It’s a frost! But I won’t give in till I do get it! If I could only get that ring off it would be all right. Well, I’ll just cover it over for the present. (Puts haircutting cloth over it.) No, a better idea. I’ll put it behind this screen. (He manages to carry Venus into cupboard and puts table before door.) There, she can’t get out of there in a hurry!
Enter HANDSAW, R. U. E.
Hand. This is the place. I think this fellow might give me some clue as to the whereabouts of the missing statue. (Enters shop and shouting.) Shop!
Alph. (Frightened.) I’m not guilty.
Hand. Ah, did I frighten you? (Aside.) Ah, that looks suspicious! I’ll get a clue here.
Alph. Hair cut or shave?
Hand. Neither. You are Latherum, the barber, arn’t you? I want to talk to you.
Alph. Suppose we take a walk.
Hand. No; I’ll say what I’ve got to here. I always deal straightforward.