FABLE. (_starting up and knocking lanthorn out of Euclid's hand with his head._) What the devil is that? Oh, my head! There was a flash--and a rap on the skull--and a jingle! What the devil can it mean? (_stage dark._) EUCLID. Now what shall we do? We are extinguished. FANNY. Oh, my poor nerves! How thick-headed of the man to wake! We shall never get the poor gentleman out. FABLE. There is a kind of whispering noise. Egad! there must be a legend attached to this house. I'm uncomfortable. FANNY. } } So am I. EUCLID. } EUCLID. We'll find the way out. Where's the door? (_groping about--sneezes._ FABLE. The cat's in the room, sure. (_the mattress rises up and down._) What on earth is this? there's something moves--there must be a legend! Oh! keep quiet there! FANNY. I can't find the door. Some one must have taken it off its hinges. EUCLID. Yes, and that cursed fellow is going to hallo. (_RECKLESS darts up, throws the mattress, with FABLE on it, to a considerable distance._ FABLE. Murder! the devil! thieves! fire! Mr. Holdfast! _Enter HOLDFAST, with candle, R. EUCLID and FANNY throw their arms round Reckless's neck._ HOLD. What an infernal noise! What is the meaning of all this? Three hugging one another, and a fourth bawling out murder! Who the deuce is this? EUCLID. Oh, I forgot--you are not introduced. Mr. Holdfast, Mr. Reckless--Mr. Reckless, Mr. Holdfast! HOLD. Very proud--very happy. How the devil did he get here? FANNY. You dear man, for keeping alive. Oh, you dear. EUCLID. A particular friend of mine. HOLD. A particular friend of Fanny's too, it seems? And what was the matter with you, Fergus? FABLE. Matter! Everything. Your sofa chucks people on the floor, Mr. Holdfast. (_bell rings._ HOLD. More visitors? _Enter ROBERT, L._ ROBERT. A man wants to see Fanny Pepper. He has found a basket in the river directed to-- FANNY. Send him away. I don't want it. Oh, I forgot that in my joy--I forgot there was two of them. I will not have the basket. EUCLID. No. Robert, kick the man down stairs and the basket after him. HOLD. Nonsense! You don't know what's in the basket. FANNY. Oh, but I do. EUCLID. No, you don't. FANNY. No, no--no more I do. But I hate baskets; they frightened me, when a child, with a wicker-work rattle. HOLD. It may be something valuable. EUCLID. Well, what's that to us, if the girl don't want it? We have no right to cram things down her throat. TOM. (_without._) Mr. Reckless is here--I know he is. RECK. That's my rascal's voice. I'm here. _Enter TOM, drunk, L._ FANNY. That faithless Tom! TOM. (_hiccups._) I've brought a letter, sir. (_gives letter._) I knew you was here, 'cos you know I ha--ha-- And I know what the letter is about, the bearer thereof told me thereof--old Guineamore is no more. RECK. I am De Mowbray; my real name is Reckless. This letter will convince you I have a handsome fortune at my disposal, if I may be allowed to lay it at the feet of Miss Flighty.