Brandon. I’m hanged if I do.
Leila. But why not, my dear? If you’re (tug) really (tug) innocent—you can prove it, dear.
Brandon. But how often have I to tell you, Leila that I am not innocent? My hands are red with a crime committed less than three hours ago.
Leila. Oh, well—if you won’t (tug—hurts her finger)—damn—you won’t. All the same, if I had strong men about me, they’d force it from you.
Raglan. I’ll be your strong man.
Leila. Will you? All right. Go and be strong.
Raglan. How do I do that?
Leila. Oh—that’s up to you.
Raglan (coming down). All right, then. (Strikes attitude.) Now then, Mr. Brandon, hand it over, or it will be the worse for you.
Leila. Said he, eyeing the other fearlessly.
Brandon. Come and get it, Kenneth.
Raglan (a little nervously, and rather wishing he hadn’t begun it). Which pocket is it in?
Brandon. Top. Right.
Raglan. My right or yours?
Brandon. Mine.
Leila. Go on. Seize it.
Raglan. I’ll give him ten seconds, shall I?
Leila. That’s right.
Brandon. Right you are. Ten seconds.
Leila. One. . . . Two. . . . Three. . . .
Raglan (creeping a little nearer). Won’t you surrender?
Brandon. No.
Leila. Four. . . . Five. . . . (Raglan creeps a little nearer still.) . . . Six. . . . Seven. . . .
[Suddenly Raglan makes a spring at Brandon, who is not ready for him.
Leila. Hooray!
[ 58 ]
