Craigin. Wait a bit. You'd better listen to me, Mr 'Omes. We're going to tie yer down nice and tight to the top o' that table.
Holmes. Well, by Jove! I don't think you will. That's my idea, you know.
Craigin. An' you'll save yourself a deal of trouble if ye submit quiet and easy like—because if ye don't ye moight get knocked about a bit
Alice (under her breath). Oh—Mr. Holmes! (Coming closer to Holmes.)
Larrabee (to Alice). Come away from him! Come over here if you don't want to get hurt.
(Love music.)
Holmes (to Alice, without looking round, but reaching her with left hand). My child, if you don't want to get hurt, don't leave me for a second.
(Alice moves closer to Holmes.)
Larrabee. Arent you coming?
Alice (breathlessly). No!
Craigin. You'd better look Miss—he might get killed.
Alice. Then you can kill me too
(Holmes makes a quick turn to her, with sudden exclamation under breath. For an instant only he looks in her face—then a quick turn back to Craigin and men.)
Holmes (low voice—not taking eyes from men before him). I'm afraid you don't mean that, Miss Faulkner.
Alice (still above him on his L.). Yes, I do.
Holmes (eyes on men—though they shift rapidly, but never toward Alice). No. (Shakes head a trifle.) You would not say it—at another time or place
Alice. I would say it anywhere—always.
(Music stops.)
Craigin. So you'll 'ave it out with us, eh?
Holmes. Do you imagine for one moment, Craigin, that I won't have it out with you?
Craigin. Well, then—I'll 'ave to give you one—same as I did yer right-'and man this afternoon. (Approaching Holmes.)
Holmes (to Alice without turning—intense, rapid). Ah!
(Craigin stops dead.)
You heard him say that. Same as he did my right-hand man this afternoon.
Alice (under breath). Yes! yes!
Holmes. Don't forget that face. (Pointing to Craigin) In three days I shall ask you to identify it in the prisoner's dock.
