Jarvis. (Laughing) That broad-faced bird was an owl, Rusty—just a common, ordinary owl. You know what an owl is.
Rusty. O—ooh—ooh!
Jarvis. (Sees door r.c.) Where can that door lead to? That's it. (Jarvis goes to the door in r.c. Steps on trap and falls suddenly.) Wow! That was a close one. (Lantern goes out.)
Rusty. (Advancing) Lord, Marse Warren, what is it? (Starts up to Jarvis.)
Jarvis. Get back! Give me that lantern. (Rusty hands lantern.) Give me your hand. Can you hold me? (Rusty holds out hand and Jarvis cautiously steps on trap door; it sinks and other end rises.) God! I thought so. Water and a long drop! No wonder people disappear in this castle. Good Lord, what if her brother went down there? Rusty, whatever happens, keep clear of this. If you step on this you will never see Kentucky again for sure. (Groan heard off left.)
Rusty. Did you hear that groan? (Wind changes to low moan.)
Jarvis. Groan—— There it is again. It sounded just like a man.
Rusty. Ough! Ough!
Jarvis. Shut up! (Crosses to l.c.)
Rusty. Marse Warren—look out!