Duke. You needn't have gone so far, Mr. Warren. You are leaving a very unusual case behind you in New York. The papers are full of it. Have you read them? (Picking up newspaper.) It will interest you too, Cousin. You were at the Manhattan last night, I believe.
Princess. Yes! (Jarvis and Princess look at each other and Duke reads from newspaper.)
Jarvis. Why, no—— (Glancing at trunk.) I was so wrapped up in my baggage I really didn't have a chance. (Looks at Princess.)
Duke. "Pistol duel in Manhattan Hotel. Colonel James Marcum, a prominent and wealthy Kentuckian, nearly met his death at five o'clock this morning in a pistol duel in his room at the Manhattan Hotel." (Glancing down a little further) "At a late hour the police had no clue to the identity of his assailant, except the remarkable fact that the person is still hiding somewhere in the hotel."
Jarvis. (Interrupting) He's probably a long way from the hotel by this time.
Duke. (Looking at paper) They say that he couldn't have gotten out without being seen.
Jarvis. That's the theory of the police or reporters.
Duke. What do you think?
Jarvis. He might have escaped in a thousand ways—but that work is hardly in my line. That belongs to the "Gum-shoes."
Duke. Gum-shoes?