Don’t trifle with a broken man, sir. My university is in your debt. The Judge is your mouthpiece. What you tell him to ask, my university will not dare to refuse! MAGNUS I will tell the Judge nothing! VANILLITY (_gasping_) I—I—what, sir? MAGNUS But I _will_ tell the president of your university that he is old enough to be a President Emeritus—with a pension—and I will name his successor—(_pauses_) Professor Thomas Vanillity— VANILLITY (_trembling_) I can’t believe it, sir. You’re amusing yourself with me. [_Magnus shakes his head._ VANILLITY (_desperately_) Then—why? MAGNUS For proving you are not of Judge Critty’s stripe; for risking your position at your age; for braving the anger of the rich and powerful, to save your friend. We need such men as you to work with us—(_smiling and holding out his arm toward Mrs. Felix_) the future Mrs. Magnus and I— [_Mrs. Felix comes forward._ MAGNUS Loo! SCHWARTZENHOPFEL (_nods toward the Red Light_) Your promise! MAGNUS (_remembers and motions Mrs. Felix back_) One minute! (_Then sits down at the desk and takes out his check-book_) AGNUS (_warmly_) Mr. Magnus, the Professor feels too strongly to speak. (_He pats Vanillity on back; then turns to Fanny_) Fanny! [_Schwartzenhopfel nudges him._ AGNUS (_turning from Fanny_) Eh? SCHWARTZENHOPFEL (_lifts his eyes_) Your promise! AGNUS (_follows Schwartzenhopfel’s glance and sees the Red Light_) Oh, yes—thanks. (_Raises his hand to hold Fanny back_) MAGNUS (_twirling check over shoulder to dry it_) The torn-up check, Agnus. (_Rises_) Loo! (_Puts his arm about Mrs. Felix_) [_The Red Light wags._ AGNUS (_deliberately seating himself with his eyes on the Red Light_) Get the check, Fanny. (_He takes a cigarette from his case_) FANNY Yes, dear. (_She goes for it_) [_Agnus places the cigarette in his mouth. Fanny returns with the check._ AGNUS A light, please— FANNY Yes, dear. (_She reaches for the cigar-lighter, turns it on and lifts it forward to him_) [_Agnus ignites the cigarette, looking at the Red Light. The Red Light wags, pleaded. It is growing dark outside—an early winter’s evening. A star appears._ AGNUS (_patting Fanny’s hand_) That’s a good girl! I’m sure—now you’ve had your lesson, we’ll be very happy together. (_He puffs at the cigarette_) [_The Red Light flies out of the window and disappears._ CURTAIN End of Project Gutenberg's The Red Light of Mars, by George Bronson-Howard