ou didn't
kill me?

THE BARBER. No. I didn't.

THE CUSTOMER. (_Standing up_) And you could have!

THE BARBER. John, when you're just about to cross the river, when
your eyes are beginning to glaze and your heart's about to stop
beating, you won't be nearer death than you were a minute ago!

THE CUSTOMER. _Why_ didn't you kill me?

THE BARBER. It wouldn't bring back Jennie, would it?

THE CUSTOMER. (_With a sneer_) Were you afraid?

THE BARBER. After I had been looking forward to it for twelve
years? No.

THE CUSTOMER. Then why--

THE BARBER. (_Grimly_) You'll remember why! (_He helps him on
with his coat._) John, tell me: are fellows who are so brave with
women always so cowardly when they deal with men? Or, (_breaking
off, speaking slowly_), or, perhaps, was it on account of that
meeting?

THE CUSTOMER. That meeting? Good Lord!

THE BARBER. Yes, the meeting.

THE CUSTOMER. (_Looking at the clock_) Twenty-five minutes past!
I'm ruined! I'm ruined!

THE BARBER. (_Half to himself_) I didn't kill you, no! I left you
your life, but I made it worthless! I broke you! I broke you!

THE CUSTOMER. (_Has crossed stealthily to the door_) Kilburn!

THE BARBER. (_Startled at the sudden change in his voice_) Yes?

THE CUSTOMER. (_Hysterically_) Thought I was a fool, did you?
Thought I'd tell you the real time of the meeting?

THE BARBER. What do you mean?

THE CUSTOMER. (_Shrieking_) You ass! You idiot! The meeting
doesn't begin till _three-thirty!_

THE BARBER. (_Calmly_) Is that all? Well, the clock (_pointing to
it_) is half an hour slow.

CURTAIN

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