(Madge stands motionless a moment. There is a sound of a heavy door outside L. opening and closing. Madge gives a quick motion of listening. Hurries to L., looking off. Enter Jim Larrabee, through archway, passing her to C. in some excitement. He is a tall, heavily-built man, with a hard face. Full of determination and a strong character. He is well dressed, and attractive in some respects. A fine looking man. Dark hair and eyes, but the hard sinister look of a criminal.
Madge. Didn't you find him?
Larrabee. No. (Goes to the heavy desk and throws open the wooden doors of lower part, showing the iron and combination lock of a safe or strong-box. Gives knob a turn or two nervously, and works at it.)
(Madge follows to R.C. up near piano watching him.)
Larrabee. He wasn't there! (Rises from desk.) We'll have to get a locksmith in.
Madge (quickly). No, no! We can't do that! It isn't safe!
Larrabee. We've got to do something, haven't we? (Stoops down quickly before door of safe again, and nervously tries it.) I wish to God I knew a bit about these things. (Bus. at safe.) There's no time to waste, either! They've put Holmes on the case!
Madge. Sherlock Holmes?
Larrabee. Yes. (At safe, trying knob.)
Madge. How do you know?
Larrabee: I heard it at Leary's. They keep track of him down there, and every time he's put on something they give notice round.
Madge. What could he do?
Larrabee (rises and faces her). I don't know—but he'll make some move—he never waits long! It may be any minute! (Moves about restlessly but stops when Madge speaks.)
Madge. Can't you think of someone else—as we can't find Sid? (Goes up slightly L.C.)
Larrabee. He may turn up yet. I left word with Billy Rounds, and he's on the hunt for him. (Between his teeth.) Oh! it's damnable. After holding on for two good years just for this and now the time comes and she's blocked us! (Goes to and looks off and up stairway. Looks at Madge. Goes to her.) Look here! I'll just get at her for a minute. (Starting towards L.) I have an idea I can change her mind.
Madge (quickly). Yes—but wait, Jim.
(Larrabee stops and turns to her.)
(She goes near him.) What's the use of hurting the girl? We've tried all that!
