Phil. I’ll take the tongs. (Takes them, and stepping up behind Aunt Rachel, pretends to take off her night-cap with them.)
A. R. I’ll take the broom, and use it well, too. (Takes it from behind the door.)
A. I’ll get the clothes-line to tie him with. (Exit Agnes, R. The rest go out, R., in the following order—Mr. and Mrs. L., Aunt R., and Philip.)
(Curtain falls.)
Scene IV.—Same as Scene II. Bed with curtains drawn. Some one tries the door, L. Mr. C. parts the curtains, and looks out.
Mr. C. What’s to pay now, I wonder? I believe I shall have more adventures in this one night than I met with all the time I was abroad. (Great pounding at the door.) Halloo there! Don’t break the door down. What’s wanted?
Mr. L. (outside). Open this door at once, in the name of the law.
Mr. C. Well, well, wait a minute. (He steps out of bed, thrusts his feet in slippers, then goes and opens the door. Seems astonished at seeing so many strange faces. They enter,—Mr. L. and Philip pass to R.; the rest remain at L.,—eying him cautiously, but concealing their weapons behind them.)
Mr. L. Well, sir, what do you mean by entering my house at night, and frightening this lady (turning to Aunt R.) in such a manner?
Mr. C. I think I can explain it satisfactorily, sir; but I must first ask a few questions. Is your name Lewis?