Spruce He's suffering from amnesia and cannot recall a thing. Neither what he's done nor the people he's seen. Talking to him about the past is not only useless but crazy. His name itself, his very own name, he sometimes forgets! Bronlow Heavens, what are you telling me? What a sad event. But how could he, at his young age? Spruce How? (puzzled momentarily) How? He lost it in the war--in a battery with the cannon roaring with such fury that it made a commotion in his head--which prevents him from remembering anything. In his weak head-- this tender membrane. Oh, you cannot understand the effect of a cannon. Bronlow (very decently) I am terribly sorry for what has befallen you, but I assure you that you do owe me this money. McNaughten I can see very clearly that reason has taken leave of you. Bronlow Sir, try to recall those uniforms I supplied you with. McNaughten Uniforms to me! Go collect your imaginary bills elsewhere. I haven't the time to listen to your nonsense. You are an old fool. Bronlow I am a clothes merchant. My name is Bronlow incorporated, and I am a churchwarden. If you've lost your memory, the articles are listed in the bill of sale, which if you would kindly read, will inform you-- (Presenting a bill of sale to McNaughten) McNaughten (tearing it up and throwing the pieces in Bronlow's face) Here, take your foolish bill of sale! I've done with it. Spruce (to Bronlow, who is horrified) Oh, sir, against a madman, it is useless to contend. Bronlow (gathering up the pieces) To tear up a bill of sale; to throw it in my face. You are a cheater! McNaughten (ready to attack Bronlow) Me? A cheater? Spruce (putting himself between them) Gentlemen--please-- Bronlow I will show you. Spruce (to Bronlow) Not so much noise. Consider the state to which he has been reduced. Bronlow To tear up a receipt! Spruce Not such a big thing. Bronlow It's a frightful crime--worthy of transportation. McNaughten Let me pull his ears! Spruce Leave him alone. What would you do to a poor churchwarden? (To Bronlow) If you argue any more something terrible may happen. Bronlow I want to be paid. I don't give a damn about the rest. Spruce (to Bronlow) Leave, sir, leave. Do you want to rekindle the flames in his overheated mind with your screaming? Bronlow Very well--I will leave. But before an hour has passed, I am going to make him change his tune. Your humble servant. (Exit Mr. Bronlow) Spruce What's the use of getting irritated by a madman? McNaughten What? Does he seek me out to be the butt of his impertinences? Let him take his extravagances down another road. Let's go to Mr. Torrington without waiting any further. Spruce Presently sir, now it would be a wasted effort. He isn't home, but he'll be back soon. In a little while, I'll return and take you to see him. A certain pressing duty calls me away suddenly.