[_Sardonically._] That's the best news I've heard from you--so far. FAKRASH. [_Gloomily._] Uneasiness hath entered into my heart and I am sore troubled. HORACE. So you _ought_ to be after your latest performance. I suppose you know you've wrecked my chances as an architect? But never mind that now--have you found time to look up the Professor yet? FAKRASH. I have but lately parted from him. [_He comes to fireplace._ HORACE. And you went to Cottesmore Gardens in _that_ kit? [_Amused in spite of himself._] If you could only _see_ yourself! FAKRASH. Didst thou not order me to assume such apparel as is worn in this city? HORACE. I didn't say on the 5th of November! However, you _saw_ him. Did you get your seal back? FAKRASH. Nay, for the sage protested that he had mislaid it! HORACE. Oh, well, never mind--it'll turn up in time. What I _really_ want to know is whether you convinced him that you'd come out of the brass bottle? FAKRASH. [_Sombrely._] As to that I can tell thee naught. On hearing that I came from thee, he reviled me as a person of no reputation, and threatened to summon a certain constable and have me delivered into custody. Whereupon I took measures--[_he smiles cunningly_]--to ensure his silence. HORACE. [_Falling back in his chair in sudden terror._] His--_silence_! You--you old _devil_! You--you've not--_killed_ him! FAKRASH. Nay, nay, I have not so much as harmed a hair of his head. HORACE. [_Rising._] Phew! What a fright you gave me! [_Moving towards fireplace, then turning._] But you've been up to _some_ devilry or other--I'm sure of it. What _have_ you done to him? Out with it! FAKRASH. [_Going up towards door._] It was necessary for my security to--[_at door_]--transform him into a one-eyed mule. HORACE. [_Petrified with horror._] A one-eyed _what_! FAKRASH. [_Walks through the door, then turns, remaining visible through the door panels._] A one-eyed mule of hideous appearance. Farewell to thee. [_He disappears; HORACE seizes his hat and rushes madly out as the curtain falls._ END OF THE FIRST SCENE OF THE THIRD ACT. SCENE II _The scene represents the drawing-room at 47 Cottesmore Gardens, Kensington._