Scene 2.—A lodging room, plainly furnished. Door L. 2 E.; table R. C., with pitcher and water glasses, candle, books, papers, etc. Candle lighted. Graef discovered.
Graef. (seated, with right arm resting on table) I suppose there is nothing left for me to do, but lie low in this hiding place and await further developments. It must be hard for a guilty party to have his fellow men stigmatize him as a thief—but, oh, what are his feelings to those of an innocent man's, particularly when one's own flesh and blood prefer the charges. That was a bright idea of Pete's, bringing me that note he found, for it will go a great way toward establishing my innocence. Now, if he is only fortunate enough to obtain those diamonds, and discover who it was that pawned one at Davis's shop, my innocence will be proved, and the guilty party punished. I never gave Pete credit for the acuteness he has displayed in this affair. (knock) That must be he, now. Come in.
Enter Pete, L. 2 E.
Pete. Massa George, I found dem (displaying box) jest whar de note said dey was—in de hollow ob dat big chestnut tree. (hands box to George) But does yo' t'ink yo' ought to keep dem diamonds here? S'pose de folks finds out yo' is hidin' here, an' gits out a search warrant, an' comes here an' finds dem? Why, yo'd be a goner, suah.
Graef. Never fear, Pete, I'll take good care that they won't be discovered. I can never thank you for what you have done for me.
Pete. Nebber mind de t'anks, Massa George. When yo's clared yo' name ob all 'spicion, an' can look honest men in de face like de honest man yo' is—den dat will be t'anks enough for me.
Graef. Did you find out who it was that pawned that diamond at Davis's?
Pete. No, sar, but it 'pears to me dat we don't need dat ev'dence. We can make out a cl'ar case widout dat.
Graef. (musing) Let me see. Helen's marriage takes place day after to-morrow, does it not?