The Toff. Very well. Now watch me. [He goes past the windows to the inner door R. He opens it inwards, then under cover of the open door, he slips down on his knee and closes it, remaining on the inside, appearing to have gone out. He signs to the others, who understand. Then he appears to re-enter in the same manner.]
The Toff. Now, I shall sit with my back to the door. You go out one by one, so far as our friends can make out. Crouch very low to be on the safe side. They mustn't see you through the window. [Bill makes his sham exit.]
The Toff. Remember, no revolvers. The police are, I believe, proverbially inquisitive. [The other two follow Bill. All three are now crouching inside the door R. The Toff puts the ruby beside him on the table. He lights a cigarette. The door at the back opens so slowly that you can hardly say at what moment it began. The Toff picks up his paper. A native of India wriggles along the floor ever so slowly, seeking cover from chairs. He moves L. where The Toff is. The three sailors are R. Sniggers and Albert lean forward. Bill's arm keeps them back. An arm-chair had better conceal them from the Indian. The black Priest nears The Toff. Bill watches to see if any more are coming. Then he leaps forward alone—he has taken his boots off—and knifes the Priest. The Priest tries to shout but Bill's left hand is over his mouth. The Toff continues to read his sporting paper. He never looks around.]
Bill [sotto voce]. There's only one, Toffy. What shall we do?
The Toff [without turning his head]. Only one?
Bill. Yes.
The Toff. Wait a moment. Let me think. [Still apparently absorbed in his paper.] Ah, yes. You go back, Bill. We must attract another guest.... Now, are you ready?
Bill. Yes.
The Toff. All right. You shall now see my demise at my Yorkshire residence. You must receive guests for me. [He leaps up in full view of the window, flings up both arms and falls to the floor near the dead Priest.] Now, be ready. [His eyes close. There is a long pause. Again the door opens, very, very slowly. Another priest creeps in. He has three golden spots upon his forehead. He looks round, then he creeps up to his companion and turns him over and looks inside of his clenched hands. Then he looks at the recumbent Toff. Then he creeps toward him. Bill slips after him and knifes him like the other with his left hand over his mouth.]
Bill [sotto voce]. We've only got two, Toffy.