WISTER goes out. On RUTH's face an expression of fear and horror has been seen growing, as if she dared not turn towards the voices. She now rises and steals towards them. WALTER. [Turning suddenly] Look! The three men shrink back out of her way, one by one, into COKESON'S room. RUTH drops on her knees by the body. RUTH. [In a whisper] What is it? He's not breathing. [She crouches over him] My dear! My pretty! In the outer office doorway the figures of men am seen standing. RUTH. [Leaping to her feet] No, no! No, no! He's dead! [The figures of the men shrink back] COKESON. [Stealing forward. In a hoarse voice] There, there, poor dear woman! At the sound behind her RUTH faces round at him. COKESON. No one'll touch him now! Never again! He's safe with gentle Jesus! RUTH stands as though turned to stone in the doorway staring at COKESON, who, bending humbly before her, holds out his hand as one would to a lost dog. The curtain falls.