MAN. But if for all this, she will not—
PED. Then she must be made to.
MAN. (fretfully.) Why she should have chosen a house with entrances on three streets.... We cannot watch all three.
PED. Lafitte is not on his guard. I’ll watch the North side, you the South and the men the West. (walks apart absorbed in thought.)
MAN. (excitedly; restlessly.) At what time did her note tell Father Cuthbert she would see him? (takes out a note-book; opens it.) 4 o’clock. Emperor Lafitte is not yet due for a long while. (walks about.) That was a good idea to have her write that note in pencil ... and a cleverer one to erase the “dear father” and send it to Lafitte.... (enter Dominique disguised; he wears a very red, full beard.)
DOM. (aside on perceiving Pedro.) The very man! I’ll try him. (going up to Pedro; bows.) Do you know if Mr. Darblee be in? (Pedro shrugs his shoulders surlily and turns off; Dominique turns to Manuel.) Rheumatic? (Manuel shrugs his shoulders.) Do you know if Mr. Darblee be in?
MAN. (curtly.) I do not. (exeunt Pedro and Manuel.)
DOM. (cheerfully.) Must be a good disguise. The very man who gave me the order to be here didn’t recognize me. I’ll try uncle Darblee. (exit; enter from mask niche, Mariana.)
MAR. (looks around desperately; rings bell.) I have no time in which to do anything myself.—He may come at any moment ... (writes hastily; enter Baptiste.) Here. (gives Baptiste money.) Take this note to the Governor. (gives him note.) Use all the speed you can in getting there. Go! (half pushes Baptiste out of the room.) I will beg his life of the governor later, but now—I must save Jean.... May be Mr. Darblee would help me. (exit; enter one of Pedro’s guard; he beckons to others who enter.)
1st G. (significantly.) The Captain left orders that any man answering the description he gave us should be searched.