MRS. S. (_sneeringly_) I am perfectly aware, sir, what you carry away with you. RAT. The hope, madam, which I trust you in some degree share with me, that our first interview will not be our last. (_turns at door, L. C., makes a profound bow, and exits, L. U. E._) MRS. S. He's gone, and I have no longer strength even to call for help. POS. (_knocking violently at door_) But I have! I'll cry for help against any man in England! Help! MRS. S. (_rising_) Ah, is that you, David? POS. No--it's me--Postlethwaite. Cousin Percy, open the door. (_MRS. SOMERTON hastily runs and unlocks door, R. C., POSTLETHWAITE puts his head out_) Is the ruffian gone? MRS. S. Yes--yes. POS. You're sure of it? MRS. S. (L.) Quite sure. POS. (_R., rushing on_) Then let me get at him! Come out wherever you are, and face me like a man--come on, I say. (_squaring violently_) Coward! (_in a tone of supreme contempt_) MRS. S. Then you have heard---- POS. Everything from that window, above that closet there, or whatever it is where I've been locked up for the last hour among the pickles. MRS. S. And yet you allowed me to be robbed. POS. Come I like that--you allowed yourself to be robbed. MRS. S. (_contemptuously_) And you did _nothing._ POS. I beg your pardon, I looked on in silent astonishment. MRS. S. But you ought to have made a noise. POS. So I did--I tumbled down backwards into a lot of grocery. (_from the beginning of this Scene between MRS. SOMERTON and POSTLETHWAITE it has gradually become daylight_) MRS. S. And to think that he should be allowed to effect his escape! What shall I do? POS. Do? Take example by me, show a proper spirit like me, and send for the police. MRS. S. We have none. POS. No police! (_suddenly recollecting_) but _I_ have, of course, and a superintendent into the bargain--here--in my pocket. MRS. S. You've got a superintendent of police in your pocket? POS. Yes--no; but I've got his appointment--that's the same thing, besides he's a friend of mine; I'll run for him this moment, and in less than ten minutes we'll have him here dead or alive; I mean my friend--no--the robber--no, my friend. (_running to door, L. C._) Holloa, this door's locked (_running to mantel-piece and about to ring the bell_) and the bell rope's cut (_suddenly_) ah! the ruffian has left his pistols behind him. (_seizing pistols off the mantel-piece_) Stand out of the way, cousin. (_rushing to window_) MRS. S. What are you about to do? POS. Do? send a bullet through his body. MRS. S. Pshaw! Why you can't even see him. POS. Then I'm the more likely to hit him; besides, it will raise an alarm at all events. (_pulling both triggers as he points the pistols out at window_) Holloa they're not loaded! (_suddenly_) Oh, if I had only known that. (_about to get out at the window_) MRS. S. Cousin, what are you about? POS. Why, as I can't get out by the door, I must have recourse to the window. (_getting out_)