Hirst. Well, I'll try you first. (Moves to door and pauses.) No gas, mind.
Omnes. No! no!
Hirst (laughs). I'll give you a run for your money.
(George enters, holds door open.)
(Exit Hirst.)
(George passes drinks round. Five drinks. Somers takes the one ordered for Hirst and puts it on the table R. Beldon sits R. C. George crosses to table, puts two drinks down, goes to fire and gives drinks, then up to table, puts tray down, takes up glass and begins to wipe it, gets down L. for lines.)
Leek (to Malcolm). I think you'll win your bet, sir, but I vote we give him a chance. Suppose we have cigars round, and if he's not back by the time we've finished them I must be off, as I have a quarter of an hour's walk before me. (Looks at watch.) He's a friend of yours, isn't he?
Somers. Yes, I have known him a good many years now, and I must say he's a rum chap; just crazy about acting and practical joking, though I've often told him he carries the latter too far at times. In this case it doesn't matter, but I won't let him try it on the old gentleman. You see we know what he's going to do, and are prepared, but he doesn't, and it might lead to illness or worse; the old chap's sixty-two and such a shock might have serious consequences. But Hirst won't mind giving up that part of it, so long as he gets an opportunity of acting to us.
Leek (knocks pipe on grate). Well, I hope he'll hurry up. It's getting pretty late. (To Somers.)
Malcolm. Well, gentlemen, your health!