Scratch (aside) My master, Mr. Worthy, who is waiting for me at the nearby inn, has sent me on before to sound the terrain. (seeing Albert) There, I take it, is our man. I must dissemble.
Albert
What are you doing here, by yourself and before my door?
Scratch
Good day, sir.
Albert (sourly)
Good day.
Scratch
I—are you well?
Albert (grumpily)
Yes.
Scratch
Truly, that rejoices my heart.
Albert
Rejoice or not rejoice—what brings you here? And who are you?
Scratch I would find it hard to say. I have so many jobs that I might call myself a universal man. I have wandered the universe; the world is my country. From lack of income, I lived by industry—as many others do. According to the circumstances, sometimes an honest man, sometimes a confidence man. I served unwillingly in the Navy—and realizing my heart inclined to rapine after having spent eighteen months privateering. I carried a musket in Flanders and Germany; I was wounded in the wars with France.
Albert
There are some fine jobs. (aside) From tip to toe, this fellow seems
to me to have the air of a rogue. (aloud) What are you doing here?
Speak!