He and COKESON support the fainting RUTH from the doorway of the
clerks' room.
COKESON. [Distracted] Here, my dear! There, there!
WALTER. Have you any brandy?
COKESON. I've got sherry.
WALTER. Get it, then. Quick!
He places RUTH in a chair—which JAMES has dragged forward.
COKESON. [With sherry] Here! It's good strong sherry. [They try to force the sherry between her lips.]
There is the sound of feet, and they stop to listen.
The outer door is reopened—WISTER and SWEEDLE are seen carrying some burden.
JAMES. [Hurrying forward] What is it?