Van Winkle is an easy soul, and at present, I believe, your debtor. DERRIC. Yes, considerably in arrears with the rent of the tenement, which he holds from me. HERMAN. Obtain his signature to the contract I am about to give you, and ’twill be a security on which money may be raised to any amount. DERRIC. You amaze me, I— HERMAN. You must have cash, father, to relieve you from your unpleasant difficulties, and I, for those delights of youth without which there is no advantage in being young. [_Exeunt._] SCENE III. RIP’S _Cottage.—Door.—Window in flat.—A closet in flat, with dishes, shelves, &c.—Clothes-basket, with clothes.—Table, chairs, arm-chair, with cloak over it.—Broom on stage._ KNICKERBOCKER _enters cautiously._ KNICKERBOCKER. Zooks! I’m venturing into a tiger’s den in quest of a lamb. All’s clear, however; and, could I but pop on little Alice, how we would bill and coo. She comes! lie still, my fluttering heart. _Enter_ ALICE.(47) ALICE. [_Without observing_ KNICKERBOCKER.] There, there, go to sleep. Ah! Knickerbocker, how I love you, [spite of all the strange ways that you pursue.](48) KNICKERBOCKER. [_Aside._] Sensible, susceptible soul! [But merit ever meets its recompense.](49) ALICE. No wonder I am fascinated; [his figure is so elegant, and then his education! I never see him, but I am ready to jump into his loving arms. [_Turning, she is caught in the embrace of_ KNICKERBOCKER.](50) KNICKERBOCKER. This is too much for human nature to support; [this declaration is a banquet that gods might prize.(51)] Beauteous angel! hear me, whilst I proclaim— [_Kneeling._ DAME. [_Without._] Go along, you drunken brute. KNICKERBOCKER. The devil! ’tis Dame Van Winkle! [what’s to become of me? ALICE. If you’re found here I’m ruined! you must conceal yourself—but where? KNICKERBOCKER. That’s the important question; oh,](52) I’ll hop into the cupboard. ALICE. Not for the world! she is sure to want something out of it. Here, here, get into this clothes-basket, and let me cover you over with the foul linen. KNICKERBOCKER. It’s a very foul piece of business altogether but I must stomach it whether I will or no. _Music.—She puts him into the basket and covers him with linen._ DAME _enters, dragging in_ RIP. DAME. And now, sir, I’ve got you home, what have you to say for yourself, I should like to know? RIP. Nothing, [my](53) darling, de least said is soonest mended, and so you shall have all de talk to yourself.—Now ain’t dat liberal? DAME. Where’s all the game you were to bring home? RIP. On de wing still: wouldn’t venture to come mitin fire; for though dey missed mine gun, dere’s one ting for certain, I never miss your blowing up. DAME.