Larrabee. Take her up the back stairway!
(Madge takes Alice quickly and forces her to door up C. as they speak.)
Madge (stopping up C. to speak to Larrabee and speaking out very distinctly). She's in poor health and can't see anyone—you understand.
Larrabee. Yes! yes! Lock her in the room—and stay by the door.
(Madge and Alice quickly exit at door up C. which Larrabee closes at once and stands an instant uncertain. There he goes to and opens lid of box on R. of wall seat, and gets a loaded club—an ugly looking weapon—and shoves it into Prince's hand at up R.C.)
You get out there! (Indicating up R.). Keep quiet there till he gets in the house—then come round to the front.
Prince. I come round to the front after 'e's in the ouse—that's plain.
Larrabee. Be ready for 'im when he comes out! If he's got the things in spite of us, I'll give you two sharp whistles! If you don't hear it, let him pass.
Prince. But if I do 'ear the two whistles?
Larrabee. Then let 'im have it.
(Prince gets off at window up R., which he closes at once. Larrabee moves rapidly down R. kicking door of desk shut as he passes. Stands at piano R.C. leaning on it carelessly. Turns to Forman.)
Go on, answer the bell.
(Forman bows slightly and exits L. Larrabee strolls about trying to get into an assumption of coolness. Picks up book off piano. Sound of heavy door closing outside L. Brief pause. Enter Sherlock Holmes at L., hat and stick in hand—wearing a long coat, or ulster, and gloves. He lingers in the archway, apparently seeing nothing in particular, and slowly drawing off gloves. Then moves to the wall seat close at hand and sits.)
(Music stops.)
(After quite a time Larrabee turns at R., throws book on piano, and saunters towards Holmes in rather an ostentatious manner.)
Mr. Holmes, I believe.
Holmes (rises and turning to Larrabee as if mildly surprised). Yes, sir.
Larrabee. Who did you wish to see, Mr. Holmes?
Holmes (looking steadily at Larrabee an instant. Speaks very quietly). Thank you so much—I sent my card—by the butler.
Larrabee (stands motionless an instant—after an instant's pause). Oh—very well. (Turns and strolls R.C.).
