[Are left mutually congratulating each other on the ample provision made by the Authorities for the nightly shelter of the homeless Metropolitan poor as the scene closes in.
Act II.—Exterior of a Casual Ward. Time 9 P.M. Thirty Shivering Creatures in charge of Practical Policeman, discovered waiting outside in the wind and rain.
First Shivering Creature. I say, Bobby, d'you think we shall git in 'ere? I'm almost froze, and am that drippin' there ain't a bloomin' dry rag upon me.
Practical Policeman (who has already been to three other Casual Wards with his "charges" but has found them all full). You wait a minute; perhaps we shall have luck here. (The Master appears.) Well, Mister Master, have you got any room?
Master. No; full as we can hold. (Surveying the shivering crowd.) How many are you? Twenty or thirty! Hum—well, I might squeeze in five. Pick 'em out.
[First Shivering Creature and four others are passed into a damp close, stone-paved room, crowded with human beings, some of which are lying on a few wooden benches, the majority being huddled in heaps upon the floor.
First Shivering Creature. Wot! Call this a night's lodging? Why, quod's a pallis to it! [Sinks down in a corner, and huddles himself to sleep with the rest.
Master (concluding his address to Policeman). Well, good-night to you. Your best game would be Wapping, I should say—not, though, that I think they'll be able to help you.
[Shuts door on Policeman and his "charges," who try Wapping, from which place, being "full," they are directed in turns to several other Wards in different parts of the Metropolis, but after trudging about for hours and finding no room anywhere, they eventually draw up outside a Casual Ward in the Bermondsey district at 1 A.M.
Practical Policeman (coming to the point). Well, as I can't get you in 'ere, nor, as it seems, anywheres, I must leave you to shift for yourselves. [Retires pensively.