TRAGEDIAN. [As before.] Ho-ho-ho!
"Old Man." P-o-o-h!
[The women weep all the louder.
COMEDIAN. I have—a bottle of whiskey!
[General commotion. The women stop crying and look up to the Comedian in amazement; the Tragedian straightens himself out and casts a surprised look at the Comedian; the "Old Man," rubbing his hands, jumps to his feet; the Villain looks suspiciously at the Comedian.
TRAGEDIAN. A bottle of whiskey?
"Old Man." He-he-he—A bottle of whiskey.
COMEDIAN. You bet! A bottle of whiskey, hidden and preserved for such moments as this, a moment of masculine depression and feminine tears.
[Taking the flask from his hip pocket. The expression on the faces of all changes from hope to disappointment.