Miss Ivory [having heard the shot and shrieks, runs in from the wing]. Oh—who's hurt?
Mrs. Pencil [turning and aiming revolver at Miss Ivory]. Don't come near him or I'll shoot you!
Ruler [enters from right]. What's the matter?
Miss Ivory [screams at Ruler]. Don't move or she'll shoot you.
Ruler [taking a revolver out of his pocket aims it at Mrs. Pencil]. Harm her and I'll shoot you!
Inkwell [who has come to in the meantime, manages to get his own revolver out of his pocket, he half raises himself from his lying position on the table and aims at Ruler, crying hoarsely]. You thought you could be my rival—the girl said she would be mine! If you shoot the woman she'll kill the girl. I'm going to save the girl. Shoot and I'll kill YOU!
Mr. Ivory [he enters from right and, hearing these desperate words—takes revolver from his pocket and aims at Inkwell! Screams in fear and rage]. Stop! Save him or I'll shoot to kill! I'll shoot to kill! I'll shoot to kill!
Wouldby [thrilled and excited, cries out]. Who shoots?
Sud [overcome with sudden realization, jumps up, grabs his forehead]. My God! It's a deadlock!!! I don't know who shoots!
Others. Oh! Shoot the AUTHOR!!