Craigin (enraged). Ha! (Turning away as if to hide his face.)
Holmes (very sharp—rapid). Yes—and the rest of you with him. You surprise me, gentlemen—thinking you're sure of anybody in this room, and never once taking the trouble to look at that window. If you wanted to make it perfectly safe, you should have had those missing bars put in.
(Holmes whispers something to Alice, indicating her to make for door down L.)
(Music till end of Act.)
(Craigin, Leary, McTague, Larrabee make very slight move and say "Eh!" but instantly at tension again, and all motionless, ready to spring on Holmes. Holmes and Alice motionless facing them. This is held an instant.)
Larrabee. Bars or no bars, you're not going to get out of here as easy as you expect.
(Holmes moves easily down near table R.C.)
Holmes. There are so many ways, Mr. Larrabee, I hardly know which to choose.
Craigin (louder—advancing). Well, you'd better choose quick—I can tell you that.
Holmes (sudden—strong—sharp). I'll choose at once, Mr. Craigin—and my choice—(quickly seizing the chair)—falls on this. (On the word he brings the chair down upon the lamp with a frightful crash, extinguishing light instantly.)
(Every light out. Only the glow of Holmes' cigar remains visible where he stands at the table. He at once begins to move up C. toward window, keeping cigar so that it will show to men and to front.)
Craigin (loud sharp voice to others). Trace 'im by the cigar. (Moving at once toward window up C.) Follow the cigar.
Larrabee (remaining down R.). Look out. He's going for the window.
(Leary goes quickly to window. McTague goes R. and is ready by safety lamp. Holmes quickly fixes cigar in a crack or joint at side of window up R.C. so that it is still seen—smash of the window glass is heard. Instantly glides across L., well up stage, and down L. side to the door L., where he finds Alice. On crash of window Craigin and Leary give a quick shout of exclamation—they spring up stage toward the light of cigar—sound of quick scuffle and blows up R. in darkness.)
Larrabee. Get that light.
Craigin (clear and distinct). The safety lamp. Where is it?
(Make this shout for lantern very strong and audible to front. McTague
