Rupert. But this is a compensation as well as an encumbrance. (He is hobbling sideways up stage quickly, with the sword between him and them.) Besides, I have here another little weapon, which is of even greater value to me. (Produces a little silver whistle.)
Brandon. What’s that?
Rupert. This? (Holding it up.) A whistle. A policeman gave it to me.
[Brandon walks rapidly over to him. Rupert puts himself in a defensive position. Brandon pauses, and then goes over to pour himself out a drink.
Brandon (quite calm). Oh! And when did he give you that?
Rupert. He gave it to me twenty minutes ago. Before I came back—for my cigarette case. He is now waiting for me to use it. He is waiting at the corner. It depends upon you whether I shall use it or not.
Brandon. What do you want from me, Rupert?
Rupert. I want two things—two truths. I want the truth about this ticket here (tears it off), and the truth about that chest there—or rather its contents.
Brandon. I can satisfy you on both. As for the ticket, I know nothing whatever about it. As for the chest, I simply do not know what you mean.
Rupert. You have succeeded in satisfying me on neither.
Brandon (coming a little towards him). Rupert, I have come to the conclusion that you are hopelessly drunk, and that you had better go home.
Rupert. It is possible that I am drunk—but not hopelessly. And I am not going home.
Brandon. What is all this about? What is all this maudlin suspiciousness?
Rupert. This is not maudlin suspiciousness, Brandon. It is well-founded. From the first moment, when I telephoned this house at a quarter to nine, and heard,
[ 79 ]
