Prince. Oh—I see it now. You've got the stuff in there! (Indicating safe R.)
Larrabee. That's what I'm telling you! It's in there, and we can't get it out! She's juggled the lock.
Prince (going at once to safe R.). Oh, well, it won't take long to rectify that triflin' error. (Stops at R., looking front.) But wot gets me is the w'y they broke off with their offers that way—can you make head or tail of that?
Larrabee. Yes. (Goes nearer to Prince.) It's simple enough.
(Prince turns to him for explanation.)
They've given it up themselves, and have got in Sherlock Holmes on the case.
Prince (suddenly starting). Wot's that! (Pause.) Is 'Olmes in this?
Larrabee. That's what they told me!
Madge. But what can he do, Sid? We haven't
Prince. 'Ere, don't stand talking about that—I'll get the box open. (Goes to piano front of Larrabee.) You send a telegram, that's all I want! (Tears page out of his note-book and writes hurriedly. The other two watch him. Larrabee remaining at R. a little suspiciously. Silence for a few moments while he writes.) Where's your nearest telegraph office?
Madge. Round the corner. (Going to above piano.)
Prince (down to Larrabee and giving him the telegram he has written). Run for it! Mind what I say—run for it.
(Larrabee is looking at him hard.)
That's to Alf Bassick. He's Professor Moriarty's confidential man. Moriarty is king of 'em all in London. He runs everything that's shady—an' 'Olmes 'as been settin' lines all round 'im for months—and he didn't know it—an' now he's beginnin' to find out that 'Olmes is trackin' 'im down—and there's the devil to pay. 'E wants any cases 'Olmes is on—it's a dead fight between 'em! 'E'll take the case just to get at 'Olmes! 'E'll kill 'im before 'e's finished with 'im, you can lay all you've got on it.
Larrabee. What are you telling him?
Prince. Nothing whatever, except I've got a job on as I wants to see 'im about in the mornin'. . . . Read it yourself.
(Larrabee looks at what Prince has written.)
But don't take all night over it! You cawn't tell wot might 'appen. (Crosses to safe R.)
Madge. Go on, Jim!
(Larrabee crosses to L., Madge following him.)
Larrabee (to Madge near archway). Keep your eyes open.
Madge (to Larrabee). Don't you worry!
(Exit Larrabee.)
