Joker. My lord—
King of Hearts. Name him. I command thee!
Joker. Hath no man stolen before?
King of Hearts. Thou meanest—
Joker. The Knave of Hearts.
All (lifting their hands). The Knave of Hearts!
King of Hearts. The rascal Knave! Where is he? Come, come, I must have him! He is not here? Then hale me hither that churlish lout, and heavily shall he pay his sins! (Exeunt the three Knaves, L.) Aha! but there is no cause for laughter here!
King of Spades (very much excited, throws himself in an exhausted condition on the bench, L.). Laughter—laughter? Well, I should say thee nay! Is the larder robbed?
Queen of Hearts. Nay, he has but taken the fire-crackers.
King of Spades. The crackers—the crackers! Did he take the cheese too?