MIKE. Well, it’s the very place I should have avoided, and for the same reason. The old woman knew Dick Hanningford as well as she knows her own son, and I’d rather avoid her.
Luke, (r.) You’re bound to meet her sooner or later. Better get it over and know the worst—or the best. (Turns away r. a little.) Sixteen years make it a little difficult to tell a man, especially between the age of nine and twenty-five, and you’re like him enough, and always were.
MIKE. And suppose she gets asking questions—do I remember this, do I remember that—you know what old women are.
LUKE. Well, you can’t be expected to remember all the details of your pinafore days after all this time, and knocking about as you have been. You know all that is necessary for you to know. You knew the old man, and you were in the house, and you knew young Hanningford. Besides, you needn’t recollect anything yourself. You recollect what other people recollect, that’s all you’re wanted to do.
MIKE. (Rising.) I hope we don’t make a mess of it! (Turns L.)
LUKE. (Crossing and laying his hand on Mike’s shoulder, turns him to c.) We shan’t make a mess of it—don’t you. You know what it’s for—£100,000 apiece. I’ve done my share of the job—you do yours. (Turns r.a little.)
MIKE. (Turning round and facing him.) Are you sure you did your share?
LUKE. (l.) What do you mean? (Turns c.)
MIKE. (r.) Are you sure he was dead?
LUKE. (After pausing, during which they have looked steadily at each other, turning away l.) Well, the bullet went in above his ear, because I examined the wound: and his body went over a two hundred-foot precipice—that I could also take an affidavit to—only I’d rather not. (Turning round and facing Mike again.) What makes you doubt it?