_(Doorkeeper starts forward. Clown startles Sitka Charley by unexpectedly hitting him a resounding blow with bladder between the shoulders. Sitka Charley runs in and out amongst people, pursued by Doorkeeper and Clown. The Doorkeeper is slow and ponderous, and falls down. At the moment he falls, Sitka Charley dashes into group where stands Capt. Eppingwell, whom he strips, with one rush, of domino. Sitka Charley swiftly puts domino on himself and dashes, on, still pursued by Clown, who is striking him with bladder. Both make exit to left.)_ _(Doorkeeper, getting up, mistakes Capt. Eppingwell for Sitka Charley, and proceeds to eject him. Capt. Eppingwell resists. Mrs. McFee urges on the Doorkeeper. In struggle, Capt. Eppingwell's mask comes off. Doorkeeper, in amazement, lets go of him. Capt. Eppingwell is angry, Mrs. McFee dumfounded, everybody excited.--Tableau.)_ _(Sitka Charley dashes in from left, pursued by Clown. Sitka Charley races madly across stage, like a dog with a tin can to its tail, and jerks open street door. Doorkeeper tries to stop him, clutches domino, but Sitka Charley plunges through and slams door after him, leaving domino in hands of Doorkeeper, who is nonplussed for a moment, then walks over and presents it to Capt. Eppingwell.)_ _(Excitement quiets down. Groups break up and begin to pass off stage to left.)_ _(Capt. Eppingwell, having lingered in order to recover his breath, goes to left rear and hangs up domino on wall.)_ _(Vanderlip, in costume of cowboy, and Mrs. Eppingwell are standing talking by stove to right front.)_ _(Freda enters alone from left and looks about. Recognizes Capt. Eppingwell and goes up to him.)_ Capt. Eppingwell _(Gallantly.)_ Ah, mysterious fair one! FREDA _(Lightly.)_ Surely you have guessed me by now. CAPT. EPPINGWELL _(Shaking head sadly.)_ I was never so befooled in my life. I could swear I know you, but to save me I can't put my finger on you. FREDA You may if you wish. CAPT. EPPINGWELL _(Surprised.)_ What? FREDA _(Seriously.)_ I say you may know me if you wish. CAPT. EPPINGWELL _(Eagerly.)_ How?--When? FREDA Now. _(He eagerly makes to lift mask and learn her identity. She steps hand quickly, with one hand holding him off.)_ No, no; there are certain stipulations. CAPT. EPPINGWELL _(Displaying in advance a willingness to consent.)_ Yes, yes. FREDA _(Deliberately.)_ First, you must ask no questions. _(He nods head.)_ Second, you must tell nobody. _(He nods.)_ And third, you must point out to me Floyd Vanderlip. CAPT. EPPINGWELL _(Nodding head.)_ I agree. Now who are you? FREDA _(Laughing.)_ But you haven't pointed out Floyd Vanderlip. CAPT. EPPINGWELL _(Briskly, indicating with his head.)_ There he is. FREDA _(Looking.)_ And with whom is he talking? CAPT. EPPINGWELL _(Starting as though to answer, then changing his mind.)_ That was not in the bond. Now who are you? FREDA _(Mockingly.)_ Guess. CAPT. EPPINGWELL