NAT--[_Does so and turns over the pages to read the signature--he gives a start--hoarsely._] Danny! It can’t be! But it’s his writing sure enough! [_He exclaims with a sudden wild exultation._] Then they must have been lying to me! SUE--No, the Sarah Allen was wrecked all right, but that was afterwards. He wasn’t on board then. Read it. You’ll see. [NAT _sinks back on a chair, evidently depressed by this information. He starts to read the letter with unconcealed indifference, then becomes engrossed, excited, the paper trembling in his hands. The Doctor shakes his head at_ SUE _indicating his disapproval of her giving him the letter_. NAT _finishes and springs to his feet--angrily_.] NAT--The stupid fool! He let Horne pull the wool over his eyes in fine shape. He deserved all he got for being so dumb! SUE--[_Indignantly._] Nat! NAT--[_Unheedingly._] Oh, if I could only have gone in his place! I knew the kind Horne was. He couldn’t have played that trick on me. I’d have forced the secret out of him if I had to---- [_He raises his clenched fist in a gesture of threat like his father’s--then lets it fall and sits down again--disgustedly._] But what’s the use? And what’s the use of this? [_Tosses the letter contemptuously on the table._] He might just as well not have written. We’re no wiser than we were before. SUE--[_Snatching up the letter--deeply hurt._] Aren’t you even glad to hear Danny’s alive? NAT--[_Turning to her at once--with remorseful confusion._] Yes--yes--of course, Sue--I don’t have to say that, do I? What I mean is, he never found out from Horne--and we’re no wiser. DOCTOR--[_Briskly--with a significant glance at_ SUE.] Well, Susan--Nat--I’ve got to run along--[_Meaningly._] I’ll be over again tomorrow, Susan. SUE--Yes, do come. [_Goes with him to the door._] Can you see your way? DOCTOR--Yes. Good night. SUE--Good night. [_She closes the door and comes back to_ NAT. _The Doctor’s footsteps die out._] NAT--[_Savagely._] That damned old fool! What is he doing, sneaking around here all the time? I’ve grown to hate the sight of him. SUE--Nat! You can’t mean that. Think of how kind he’s been. NAT--Yes--kindness with a purpose. SUE--Don’t be silly. What purpose could he have except wanting to help us? NAT--To find out things, of course, you simpleton. To pump Pa when he’s not responsible for what he’s saying. SUE--[_Indignantly._] Nat! NAT--Much good it’s done him! I know Pa. Sane or not, he won’t tell _that_ to anyone--not even you or me, Sue. [_With sudden fury._] I’m going away--but before I go I’m going to make him tell me! He won’t refuse this time when he knows I’m leaving for good. He’ll be glad then. He’s been so afraid I’d find out, so scared to speak to me even--locking himself up here. But I’ll make him tell--yes, I will! SUE--Careful, Nat. He’ll hear you if you shout like that. NAT--But we have a right to know--his own children. What if he dies without ever speaking?