Brandon (shouting). Yes!
[There is a tremendous and baffling silence. Rupert hobbles down L., and pauses to look at him in a puzzled way. Then hobbles towards window and looks at him in the same way. He comes down C. Pause.
Rupert. Very well. I will.
[Another pause as they look at each other. Brandon is fairly near to chest.
Brandon. Go on. What are you waiting for?
Rupert. You’re very clever, Brandon, in any case.
Brandon. I wish I could say the same of you, you fantastic ass. (Advancing a little.)
Rupert. Will you get further away, please? Will you go down to that chair? (He points to chair R. with sword.)
[Brandon obeys. Rupert pauses. Goes to chest. Granillo is still prostrate. Rupert examines lock, and tries to lift lid.
It’s locked—padlocked. (He sits easily on edge of chest.)
Brandon. What of it?
Rupert. Where’s the key?
Brandon. I don’t know. Why should I know? It’s upstairs, I think.
Rupert. Upstairs?
Brandon. Yes. Shall I go and get it?
Rupert (rising). No. Don’t do that. (Goes over to sideboard and picks up silver nutcrackers.) I can force it. (Comes down again, looking at others.) Must I do this?
[No answer from Brandon.
Must I do this?
Brandon (suddenly blazing). Here’s your key! Here’s your key! (Fishing in waistcoat pocket and flinging it down.) Now look—and get what’s coming to you!
Rupert. Thank you.
[ 81 ]
