The two policemen (to the fisherman). Move on, you cutpurse, move on. (They walk about.)
Chief. Suchaka, wait here at the big gate until I come out of the palace. And don't get careless.
The two policemen. Go in, chief. I hope the king will be nice to you.
Chief. Good-bye. (Exit.)
Suchaka. Januka, the chief is taking his time.
Januka. You can't just drop in on a king.
Suchaka. Januka, my fingers are itching (indicating the fisherman) to kill this cutpurse.
Fisherman. Don't kill a man without any reason, master.
Januka (looking ahead). There is the chief, with a written order from the king. (To the fisherman.) Now you will see your family, or else you will feed the crows and jackals. (Enter the chief.)
Chief. Quick! Quick! (He breaks off.)