POS. Yes. I said there were two, who instantly made for the door, which luckily I had taken the precaution of locking.
RAT. Locking! What the door you had just knocked clean off its hinges?
POS. Yes. I forgot to mention that in the meantime I had picked the door up and hung it on again. Well, finding they couldn’t escape, they both sprang upon me at the same time! The fearful struggle then began afresh, till exhausted nature could do no more, and the whole three of us rolled out of the window together. But here comes my cousin! (running to door, L.)
RAT. Then, as I said before, impudence befriend me.
POS. (handing in MRS. SOMERTON) Come along, cousin, I told you I’d soon have my friend the superintendent here. Captain Ratcliffe, my cousin. My cousin, Captain Ratcliffe. (introducing them. MRS. SOMERTON curtseys to RATCLIFFE, and on looking at him gives a very slight start, while RATCLIFFE continues to show the utmost sang froid) And now, cousin, the sooner you give him all the particulars. Why, what’s the matter with you? (observing how MRS. SOMERTON is examining RATCLIFFE)
MRS. S. Nothing. Doubtless I am mistaken. Yet, I am under the impression that this is not the first time——
RAT. That we have met? madam, if so, I am ashamed to say that I have forgotten the circumstance. (crosses to C.)
MRS. S. (aside) The voice too—pshaw—impossible!
RAT. Now, madam, as every moment is of the utmost importance you must be good enough to answer a few questions. In the first place how the entrance to the house was effected by the robbers. (taking out his pocket book and pencil.)
MRS. S. Robbers!—there was only one.