Spruce But, sir, do you take me for a fool? In returning from Flanders, where you had an abrupt discharge from your regiment, did I not put the trunk, at your instruction, on a stage coach bound for London, so that we might travel more quickly. And didn't I obey you? I've done everything right in this whole business. No reproaches, please. Captain We'll soon see whether this was your fault or not. Open it up and let's try to get to the bottom of this mystery. Spruce (taking out a ring of keys) Sir, in a second, I am going to satisfy you. (trying a key) My goodness! The key doesn't fit. Captain Break it open. Spruce If you want me to, I won't object. Let's begin proceedings. (after some efforts, Spruce manages to open the trunk) (Spruce looks in and stares) Captain What's wrong with you? Look at me. Spruce (bewildered) I don't see any of your clothes in here! Captain What the--wretch? Spruce Sir, there's no need to be testy. The swap we've made may be better for us. I don't believe you had clothes like these in your trunk. (displaying some expensive clothing) Captain And my letters, scoundrel, my letters from Flavella? The letters in which she expressed her love for me? Who will give them back to me-- tell me! Spruce (removing a packet of letters from the trunk) Wait--perhaps you will find consolation in these. Captain Do you know that jokesters and comedians usually waste their time with me? (The Captain reads the letters while Spruce inventories the clothes.) Spruce My intent was not to put you in a temper--but without losing time we must make our inventory. This costume for chicanery surely belonged to some Scotsman, and this is an Irish peasant. (displaying clothes) Now, this one is rather modish--usable for a hunt, I think. Captain Oh, Heavens! Spruce (startled by the Captain's outburst) Where will all this thing end? Captain This adventure isn't easily believed. Spruce Sir, what's wrong with you--are you getting dizzy? Captain It's a miracle. You won't believe it when I tell you. Spruce Sir, I will, I promise you--if you don't lie. Captain As you know, I was born a McNaughten, near Edinburgh. I am of a blood which ceded valor to no one. You know that having lost father, mother, and relatives, and penniless, I was left to spend my days in the highlands. To escape, I joined the army when I was only fifteen. Only I had a brother, who lived with me in the home of my uncle--a rich old miser who wouldn't give me a penny. So I ran away, and they haven't heard of me for many years. And I've heard from many sources that both my brother and my uncle thought me dead. Spruce I know all that. And I know your mother died in giving birth to you and that same brother. You and your brother are as indistinguishable as two glasses of milk. In short, you are twins. So what? Captain We look so much alike that the finest painters would be easily deceived. Even our own father considered putting a sign on us to tell us apart.