MR. QUIRKE. What is that going on inside? [No answer.] Is there any one inside, I ask? [No answer.] It must be that dog of Tannian's—wait till I get at him.
MRS. DELANE. It is Sergeant Carden, Mr. Quirke. He would seem to be looking for something——
[Mr. Quirke appears in shop. Sergeant comes out, makes another dive, taking up sacks, etc.
MR. QUIRKE. I'm greatly afraid I am just out of meat, Sergeant—and I'm sorry now to disoblige you, and you not being in the habit of dealing with me——
SERGEANT. I should think not, indeed.
MR. QUIRKE. Looking for a tender little bit of lamb, I suppose you are, for Mrs. Carden and the youngsters?
SERGEANT. I am not.
MR. QUIRKE. If I had it now, I'd be proud to offer it to you, and make no charge. I'll be killing a good kid to-morrow. Mrs Carden might fancy a bit of it——
SERGEANT. I have had orders to search your establishment for unwholesome meat, and I am come here to do it.
MR. QUIRKE. [Sitting down with a smile.] Is that so? Well, isn't it a wonder the schemers does be in the world.