There is a door on the left and two more at right. At back are windows through which the audience sees the building across the street literally covered with 13 Soap posters. There is a desk, down C., with chairs, cabinets, a hatrack, a water-cooler, a safe, etc., which complete the equipment of the room. Light oak office furniture. Three telephones, one on stand right, one on desk left, and one on desk center. Shades on windows. All over carpet. Four brackets.
The time is one month after the first act, about ten o’clock in the morning.
The curtain rises on an empty stage. Rodney’s voice heard off-stage:
Rodney. (Enters from door upper R.) Forward march! (Six sandwich-men enter door upper R., bearing boards: “13 Soap—unlucky for dirt”) Halt! (They stop) Now, you understand you’re all to go down to Mr. Cyrus Martin’s office, 226 Broadway, and parade there all day—and to-morrow the same thing. Be in front of his house to-night at six sharp, you understand?
Sandwich Men. Yes, sir.
Rodney. Then forward march! (They exit through door L. Rodney goes to his desk. Business with papers, etc. Peale enters from door upper R.)
Peale. Hello, little boss. Holy Peter Piper, you’ve shaved off your mustache!
Rodney. (Grinning) Yes, I’m just beginning to get on to myself. By George, I certainly used to look like the devil. Do you observe the clothes?
Peale. (R. C. Crosses up; removes coat, and places it L. of C. corner L. of desk) Why, you are getting to be a regular business man.
Rodney. Business is great stuff. I thought it’d bore me, but it’s immense; it’s the best game I ever played. What’s the news with you?