won't mind giving up
that part of it, so long as he gets an opportunity of acting to us.

LEEK (_knocks pipe on grate_). Well, I hope he'll hurry up. It's getting
pretty late. (_To SOMERS._)

MALCOLM. Well, gentlemen, your health!

SOMERS. Good luck.

LEEK. Hurrah!

BELDON. Chin-chin!

LEEK. By the way, how is it you happen to be here to-night?

SOMERS. Oh, we missed the connection at Tolleston Junction and as the
accommodation at the Railway Arms there was rather meagre, the Station
Master advised us to drive on here, put up for the night, and catch the
Great Northern express from Exton in the morning. (_Rises, crosses to
L._) Oh, George, that reminds me--you might see that 'Boots' calls us at
7 sharp.

(_BELDON rises, goes up to them to fire._)

GEORGE. Certainly, sir. What are your numbers?

SOMERS. 13 and 14.

GEORGE. I'll put it on the slate, special, sir. (_Goes to door L._)

LEEK. I beg pardon, gentlemen, I forgot the cigars; George, bring some
cigars back with you.

BELDON. A very mild one for me.

GEORGE. Very well, sir. (_Takes up tray from sideboard._)

(_Exit L._)

(_SOMERS sits R. C._)

MALCOLM. I think you were very wise coming on here. (_Sits on settle
R._) I stayed at the Railway Arms, Tolleston, once--never again though.
Is your friend clever at acting?

SOMERS. I don't think he's clever enough to frighten you. I'm to spend
Christmas at his place, and he's asked me to assist at the theatricals
he spoke of. Nothing would satisfy him till I consented, and I must
honestly say I am very sorry I ever did, for I expect I shall be pretty
bad. I know I have scarcely slept a wink these last few nights, trying
to get the words into my head.

(_GEORGE enters backwards, pale and trembling._)

MALCOLM. Why! Look--what the devil's the matter with George? (_Crosses
to GEORGE._)

GEORGE. I've seen it, gentlemen. (_Down stage L. C._)

OMNES. Seen who?

(_BELDON down R. edge of table R. LEEK up R. C. SOMERS up R._)

GEORGE. The ghost. Jer--Bun--

MALCOLM. Why, you're frightened, George.

GEORGE. Yes, sir. It was the suddenness of it, and besides I didn't look
for seeing it in the bar. There was only a glimmer of light there, and
it was sitting on the floor. I nearly touched it.

MALCOLM (_goes to door, looks off, then returns--to others_). It must be
Hirst up to his tricks. George was out of the room when he suggested it.
(_To GEORGE._) Pull yourself together, man.

GEORGE. Yes, si