Madge (down to him on his R.). It's all right, Jim. It was the proper thing to do.
(Music. Melodramatic, very pp. Hardly audible.)
(Madge and Larrabee move near Prince, looking over him eagerly. He quickly introduces small punch and hammers rapidly; sound of bolts, etc., falling inside lock as if loosened. Eagerness of all three increases with final sound of loose iron work inside lock, and Prince at once pulls open the iron doors. All three give a quick look within. Madge and Larrabee start back with subdued exclamation. Prince looks in more carefully, then turns to them. Pause. Larrabee in moving back pushes chair along with him. Pause. Music stops.)
Madge (turning to Larrabee on her L.). Gone!
Larrabee (to Madge). She's taken 'em out.
Prince (rising to has feet). What do you mean?
Larrabee. The girl!
(Madge stops and goes quickly to safe R. in front of Prince, and dropping down feels carefully about inside. Others watch her closely. Prince gives back a little for her.)
(Note.—Their dialogue since opening of safe has dropped to low excited tones, almost whispers, as they would if it were a robbery. Force of habit in their intense excitement.)
Madge (rises and turns to Larrabee). She's got them!
Prince. 'Ow can you tell as she 'asn't done the trick already?
Larrabee (quick turn on Prince). What's that?
Prince. She wants to get even, you say.
Madge. Yes! yes!
Prince. Well, then, if she's got the thing out of the box there—ain't it quite likely she's sent 'em along to the girl as 'e wants to marry. (Brief pause.)
Madge. No! She hasn't had the chance.
Larrabee. She couldn't get them out of this room. We've watched her too close for that.
Madge. Wait! (Turns and looks rapidly about piano, etc.)
(Larrabee crosses to L. and hurriedly looks about under cushions. Prince goes up C. to alcove.)
Larrabee. Here! (Strides towards archway.) I'll get her down! She'll tell us where they are or strangle for it! (Turns hurriedly.) Wait here! When I get her in, don't give her time to think!
(Exit Larrabee L. Prince comes to the end of the piano, looking off after Larrabee.)
(Music. Very pp.)
(Brief pause. Madge glances nervously L.)
