Larrabee. Oh—it isn't so specially dark.
Prince. That's different. (Goes across to desk with tools from satchel.) I say, Larrabee
(Quick "Sh!" from Madge just behind him.)
Larrabee (at same time). Shut up!
(They look round. Madge goes to C. Prince looks up surprised.⟨)⟩
For Heaven's sake, Sid, remember—(down to Prince)—my name is Chetwood here.
Prince. Beg your pardon. My mistake. Old times when we was learnin' the trade together—eh!
Larrabee. Yes, yes!
Prince. I 'ardly expected you'd be doin' the 'igh tone thing over 'ere, wen I first come up with you workin' the Sound Steamer Line out o' New York.
Larrabee. Come! Don't let's go into that now.
Prince. Well, you needn't get so 'uffy about it! You wouldn't a' been over 'ere at all, if it 'adn't been for me. . . . An' you'd a never met Madge 'ere neither—and a devil of a life of it you might a' been leadin’.
Larrabee. Yes, yes
Madge. We know all that, Sid—but can't you open that box for us now? We've no time to lose.
Prince. Open it! I should I could! It's one o' those things that'll fall open if you let it alone long enough! I'd really like to know where you picked up such a relic as this 'ere box. It's an old timer and no mistake! (About to try some tools on lock looks about.) All clear, you say, no danger lurking?
Larrabee (shaking head). Not the least!
(Madge moves away a little to L.C., glancing cautiously about. Prince tries tools. Larrabee remains near piano R.C. Both watch him as he tries tools in the lock.)
Prince (at lock). You're not robbing yourselves, I trust?
Larrabee (near Prince). It does look a little like it!
Prince. I knew you was on some rum lay—squatting down in this place for over a year; but I never could seem to(Bus.)—get a line on you. (He works a moment, then crosses to get a tool out of salthel, and goes near light on piano and begins to adjust it. This must him where he commands stage, up R.C., a little. Stopping and looking sharply at Madge and Larrabee.) What do we got here? Oof, I trust?
Larrabee (R.). Sorry to disappoint you, but it isn't.
Prince. That's too bad! (R.C. near lamp at piano.)
Madge (shakes head). Only a bundle of papers, Sid. (C.)
(Prince works at tool an instant before speaking.)
