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Always--it is a rule of the hotel.
MESSITER.
Oh!--why's that?
BLOND.
To be ready for the morning.
MESSITER.
All right--all right. [_Throwing the rug and blanket aside._] Isidore, go downstairs and give your full name and particulars to Sergeant Jarvis.
ISIDORE.
[_Rising instantly._] Yes, sir--very good.
BLOND.
[_To ISIDORE._] Why do you wake up so soon? Devil take you!
ISIDORE.
I beg your pardon.
[_He goes out._
MESSITER.
What is underneath that window, Mr. Blond?
BLOND.
The skylight over the kitchen--devil take it!
MESSITER.
Thank you--_you_ can go down to the sergeant now, Mr. Blond.
BLOND.
With pleasure--devil take me!
[_He goes out._
MESSITER.
Now then, Harris.
HARRIS.
Yes, sir.
MESSITER.
Keep perfectly still and hold your breath as long as you can.
HARRIS.
Hold my breath, sir?
MESSITER.
Yes--I want to hear how many people are breathing in this room. Are you ready?
HARRIS.
Yes, sir.
MESSITER.
Go! [_HARRIS stands still, tightly compressing his lips; MESSITER quickly examines his face by the light of the lantern, then walks round the room, listening, and nodding his head with satisfaction as he pa.s.ses the various hiding-places. HARRIS writhes in agony; in the end he gives it up and breathes heavily._] Harris!
HARRIS.
[_Exhausted._] Yes, sir!
MESSITER.
You're breathing.
HARRIS.
Oh lor', yes, sir!
MESSITER.
You'll report yourself to-night!
HARRIS.
I held on till I nearly went off, sir.
MESSITER.
[_Giving him the bull's-eye._] Don't argue, but light up. There are half a dozen people concealed in this room. [_There is a cry from the women. CHARLOTTE and VALE rise; LUKYN steps from behind the coats._] I thought so. [_As MESSITER turns, AGATHA POSKET and MR. POSKET rise, CIS comes quickly, catches hold of MR. POSKET, and drags him across to the window._]
CIS.
