private compton
(Tugging his comrade.) Here bugger off, Harry. There’s the cops! (Two raincaped watch, tall, stand in the group.)
first watch
What’s wrong here?
private compton
We were with this lady and he insulted us and assaulted my chum. (The retriever barks.) Who owns the bleeding tyke?
cissy caffrey
(With expectation.) Is he bleeding?
a man
(Rising from his knees.) No. Gone off. He’ll come to all right.
bloom
(Glances sharply at the man.) Leave him to me. I can easily…
second watch
Who are you? Do you know him?
private carr
(Lurches towards the watch.) He insulted my lady friend.
bloom
(Angrily.) You hit him without provocation. I’m a witness. Constable, take his regimental number.
second watch
I don’t want your instructions in the discharge of my duty.
private compton
(Pulling his comrade.) Here, bugger off, Harry. Or Bennett’ll have you in the lockup.
