erchief around it._)

PRINCESS. (_Going down stage_ C.) What's happened? You're wounded! Those
shots I heard----

JARVIS. I almost stopped one of the bullets.

PRINCESS. Your hand is bleeding.

JARVIS. Please--I don't see how the devil---- (_Runs up and puts up shade
at window 3, sees there is no way out._) Damn!

PRINCESS. You have evidently shot someone and are making me shield you
from justice.

JARVIS. (_Coming down_) No, not from justice--but from the law.

PRINCESS. I thought they were the same.

JARVIS. No, not always--there would be no justice for me at the hands of
the law.

PRINCESS. Well, that is not for me to decide.

JARVIS. But you shall decide--at least you shall listen and if you find
me guilty--I'll--well, I'll take that door or, or anything you say.

PRINCESS. Your presumption is indeed ridiculous.

JARVIS. Hardly ridiculous--I am arguing for my life.

PRINCESS. Can any decision be more unjust than mine must be at the point
of a pistol?

JARVIS. (_Lays pistol on dressing table_ L. _and crosses to_ R. _of_
PRINCESS.) There is nothing to prevent your calling for help now--after
all, it doesn't matter much whether the end comes today or the day
after.

PRINCESS. The end? Then why don't you give yourself up?

JARVIS. That would not have been the end. You don't understand, I know,
but I'm not flying from Justice. There was in this a case of shoot or be
shot. (_Sound of running toward door 6._) Listen--they're here now.
(JARVIS _crosses door 8._)

HOUSE DETECTIVE. (_Knock outside door_) Anybody in here? (_Knock._) Open
the door.

JARVIS. It's up to you to do with me as you like. (_Princess points to
door_ L. JARVIS _exits._)

NITA. (_Off stage door 5_) Madame--Madame--(_Enters._) What is it?
(_Running to mistress for protection._) Something dreadful must have
happened. (_Knock on door repeated._) What shall I do?

PRINCESS. Open it, Nita. (NITA _opens door reluctantly._)

HOUSE DETECTIVE. (_In doorway_) Are you all right in here?

NITA. (_Holding door open_) Si--Senor.

PRINCESS. What is it, Nita?

NITA. (_Indicating_ PRINCESS) My mistress, Senor.

HOUSE DETECTIVE. (_Inside of door--removing hat_) Excuse me, madame, I'm
the house detective. Are you all right in here?

PRINCESS. Yes.

HOUSE DETECTIVE. We're sorry to bother you, but we're looking for
someone and we thought he might have come in here. If you want anything
we'll be out here in the hall. Good night!

NITA. (_