F. H. But there can’t be any mistake; don’t you see—aw—he’s got on my clothes, and I his?
L. (smiling). Yes; but if he intended to steal them he wouldn’t come in, and sit quietly in the parlor with the garments on. But I haven’t heard how it came about. Did either of you leave your room last night?
F. H. I only left it for five minutes—aw—when the alarm of fire was raised—aw—and this morning when I waked—aw—my new suit was changed into these horwid things. (Glances with contempt upon them.)
L. (to Deacon). And did you leave your room, too?
Dea. R. Yes; but only long enough to go into the entry and back again.
L. I see how it is; your rooms were side by side. You both left them, and when you returned, you each went into the other’s room. That accounts for the change of clothing. (One policeman beckons to the other, and they go out, L.)
Dea. R. By George, that must ha’ been the way ’twas done. But I declare to goodness, I never should ha’ thought about it. (To Landlord.) Thank you, landlord, for gettin’ me out o’ this scrape. (To Fitz Howard.) And look here, young man, suppose we just go up stairs and swap clothes again. I guess these aint any more becomin’ to me than them are to you.
F. H. You’re right there—aw—old man. (Exeunt Dea. R. and F. H., L.)
Mrs. R. Well, I thank goodness things have turned out as they have. I wouldn’t ha’ had Jonathan gone to the convention in that rig for nothin’ in the world.
Dr. C. (sarcastically). Not even if they had been a present to him from his friends in Rossville!