(Maidservant makes exit right rear). (Pause, during which Starkweather consults notebook.) (Maidservant re-enters, showing in Hubbard.)
(Hubbard advances to desk.) (Starkweather is so glad to see him that he half rises from his chair to shake hands.)
Starkweather
(Heartily.) I can only tell you that what you did was wonderful. Your telephone last night was a great relief. Where are they?
Hubbard
(Drawing package of documents from inside breast pocket and handing them over.) There they are—the complete set. I was fortunate.
Starkweather
(Opening package and glancing at a number of the documents while he talks.) You are modest, Mr. Hubbard.—It required more—than fortune.—It required ability—of no mean order.—The time was short.—You had to think—and act—with too great immediacy to be merely fortunate.
(Hubbard bows, while Starkweather rearranges package.)
There is no need for me to tell you how I appreciate your service. I have increased my subscription to Cartwright's to fifty thousand, and I shall speak to Dobleman, who will remit to you a more substantial acknowledgment than my mere thanks for the inestimable service you have rendered.