ld
be at home. Odd isn't it? Here goes.

[He throws hat on right heap of idols. JOHN
BEAL does not smile.]

Why, what's the matter?

JOHN BEAL

I don't like to see a decent Christian hat
among these filthy idols. They've all got
rust on their mouths. I don't like to see
it, Archie; it's sort of like what they call
an omen. I don't like it.

ARCHIE BEAL

Do they keep malaria here?

JOHN BEAL

I don't think so. Why?

ARCHIE BEAL

Then what's the matter, Johnny? Your nerves
are bad.

JOHN BEAL

You don't know these people, and I've brought
you out here. I feel kind of responsible.
If Hussein's lot turn nasty you don't
know what he'd do, with all those idols and
all.

ARCHIE BEAL

He'll give 'em a drink, you mean.

JOHN BEAL

Don't, ARCHIE. There's no saying. And I
feel responsible for you.

ARCHIE BEAL

Well, they can have my hat. It looks
silly, somehow. I don't know why. What
are we going to do?

JOHN BEAL

Well, now that you've come we can go
ahead.

ARCHIE BEAL

Righto. What at?

JOHN BEAL

We've got to see Hussein's accounts, and
get everything clear in black and white, and
see just what he owes to Miss Miralda
Clement.

ARCHIE BEAL

But they don't keep accounts here.

JOHN BEAL

How do you know?

ARCHIE BEAL

Why, of course they don't. One can see
that.

JOHN BEAL

But they must.

ARCHIE BEAL

Well, you haven't changed a bit for your
six months here.

JOHN BEAL

Haven't changed?

ARCHIE BEAL

No. Just quietly thinking of business.
You'll be a great business man, Johnny.

JOHN BEAL

But we must do business; that's what I
came here for.

ARCHIE BEAL

You'll never make these people do it.

JOHN BEAL

Well, what do you suggest?

ARCHIE BEAL

Let's have a look at old Hussein.

JOHN BEAL

Yes, that's what I have been waiting for.
Daoud!

DAOUD [off]

Master. [Enters.]

JOHN BEAL

Go to the palace of the Lord of the pass
and beat on the outer door. Say that I
desire to see him. Pray him to come to my
tent.

[DAOUD bows and Exit.]

[To ARCHIE.] I've sent him to the palace
to ask Hussein to come.

ARCHIE BEAL

Lives in a palace, does he?

JOHN BEAL

Yes, it's a palace, it's a wonderful place.
It's bigger than the Mansion House, much.

ARCHIE BEAL

And you're going to teach him to keep
accounts.

JOHN BEAL

Well, I must. I hate doing it. It seems
almost like being rude to the Lord Mayor.
But there's tw