(JOHN immediately places his hand over tube and with his handkerchief stops the flow of water. Syphon is removed and placed on floor ready for next squirt of water.)
TULLY. Help! Help! Help! (Heard off.)
(TULLY dashes on door R. and slamming door holds on to handle as if besieged.)
JOHN. What’s up? What’s the matter with you?
TULLY (trembling all over). The maid doesn’t recognize me without a moustache. She thinks I’m a burglar—and she’s chasing me with a poker.
JOHN. Chasing you?
TULLY. Yes, and if this woman gets in, she’ll brain us both. Come and help, for heaven’s sake!
JOHN. I can’t let go here.
TULLY. Why not?