VIGELAND _enters from the right._ VIGELAND. Yes, they are hauling out the _Palm Tree_. Good-evening, Consul. BERNICK. And you, who know the sea so well, don’t hesitate to——? VIGELAND. I don’t hesitate to trust in Providence, Consul! Besides, I have been on board and distributed a few leaflets, which I hope will act with a blessing. SANDSTAD _and_ KRAP _enter from the right._ SANDSTAD. [_At the door._] It’s a miracle if they manage to pull through. Ah, here we are—good-evening, good-evening. BERNICK. Is anything the matter, Mr. Krap? KRAP. I have nothing to say, Consul. SANDSTAD. Every man on board the _Indian Girl_ is drunk. If those animals ever get over alive, I’m no prophet. LONA _enters from the right._ LONA. [_To_ BERNICK.] Johan told me to say good-bye for him. BERNICK. Is he on board already? LONA. He will be soon, at any rate. We parted outside the hotel. BERNICK. And he holds to his purpose? LONA. Firm as a rock. RUMMEL. [_At one of the windows._] Deuce take these new-fangled arrangements. I can’t get these curtains drawn. LONA. Are they to be drawn? I thought, on the contrary—— RUMMEL. They are to be drawn at first, Miss Hessel. Of course you know what is going on? LONA. Oh, of course. Let me help you. [_Takes one of the cords._] I shall let the curtain fall upon my brother-in-law—though I would rather raise it. RUMMEL. That you can do later. When the garden is filled with a surging multitude, then the curtains are drawn back, and reveal an astonished and delighted family. A citizen’s home should be transparent to all the world. [BERNICK _seems about to say something, but turns quickly and goes into his office._ RUMMEL. Well, let us hold our last council of war. Come, Mr. Krap; we want you to supply us with a few facts. [_All the men go into the Consul’s office._ LONA _has drawn all the curtains over the windows, and is just going to draw the curtain over the open glass door, when_ OLAF _drops down from above, alighting at the top of the garden stair; he has a plaid over his shoulder and a bundle in his hand._ LONA. Good heavens, child, how you startled me! OLAF. [_Hiding the bundle._] Sh, auntie!