Put it down there. (Pointing down before him at floor L. of C.) Thank you so much.
(Parsons puts portmanteau down as indicated L.C.)
Parsons, you ordored a cab for the doctor a short time ago. It has been waiting, I believe.
Parsons. Yes, sir, I think it 'as.
Holmes. Be so good as to tell the driver, the one you'll now find there, to come in here and get u valise. See that he comes in himself. When he comes tell him that's the one.
(Exit Parsons at door R.)
Watson. But surely he won't come in.
Holmes. Surely he will! It's his only chance to get me into that cab! He'll take almost any risk for that. (Goes to above desk.) In times like this you should tell your man never to take the first cab that comes on a call—(smokes)—nor yet the second—the third may be safe!
Watson. But in this case
Holmes. My dear fellow, I admit that in this case I have turned it to my advantage, but I speak for your future guidance.
(Music. Melodramatic, danger, agitato, very subdued.)
(Door at R. opens. Parsons enters, pointing the portmanteau out to some one who is following.)
Parsons. Ere it is—right in, this way.
Holmes (goes to Watson L.C. above table. In rather a loud voice to Watson). Well, good-bye, old fellow! (Shakes hands with him warmly and bringing him down L. a little.) I'll write you from Paris—and I hope you'll keep fully informed of the progress of events.
(Moriarty enters at door R. in the disguise of a cabman, and goes at once to valise which Parsons points out, trying to hurry it through and keeping face away from Holmes but fidgeting about, not touching valise. Parsons goes out.)
(Speaks right on, apparently paying no attention to Moriarty.) As for these papers, I'll attend to them personally. Here, my man—(to Moriarty)—just help me to tighten up these straps a bit (He slides over to valise and kneels, pulling at strap, and Moriarty bending over and doing same.) There are a few little things in this bag—(bus.)—that I wouldn't like to lose—(bus.)—and it's just as well to Eh—(looking round for an instant)—who's that at the window?
(Moriarty quickly looks up without lifting hands from valise, and at the same instant the snap of handcuffs is heard, and he springs up with the irons on his wrists, making two or three violent efforts to break loose. He thon stands motionless R.C. Holmes drops into
