Bill listening. Up the stairs! He may get away!

79--Front row. Night.

"Cop" and others gather about man. Several "cops" on at a
run.

80--Ella's room. Gas-lit.

Bill looks in doorway. Florence at mirror, about to loosen
dress. Turns. Bill comes in. He says:

_Cut-in leader--_

"LISTEN, SIS--A GUY CROAKED ANOTHER FELLOW--A COP THINKS I
DONE IT--I DIDN'T--SO HELP ME GOD!"

He is so pathetic in his fright that she is torn with
sympathy.

81--"Cops" before "Brickdust Row." Night.

"Cops" decide to look in house--go in.

82--Ella's room. Gas-lit.

Florence moves close to Bill and finds gun. He nods--says:

_Cut-in leader--_

"THAT'S WHY I'M SCARED--IF THEY FIND IT THEY'LL PINCH
ME--"[53]

She nods. Both start, as at a sound.

[Footnote 53: It is, of course, clear to the spectators that he is not
telling the truth, though not so to Florence.]

83--Hall. Gas-lit.

"Cop" bounding up the stairs.

84--Ella's room. Gas-lit.

Bill in terror. Florence sees the abject fear in his eyes,
and the tenderness and protective sympathy of her nature are
instantly roused. Dropping the gun in a table drawer, and
sitting down, she motions Bill to sit opposite, and command
himself. She picks up needlework, and proceeds to chat with
Bill as unconcernedly as if he were a constant visitor at
the place.

85--Outside the door of Ella's room. Gas light in room; dimmer light
in hall.

The "cop" comes softly to door, listens, and then pushes
door quietly inward.

86--Ella's room. Gas-lit.

As the police officer opens the door and looks in, Florence
is quietly sewing, and Bill is leaning back, at his ease,
though it is an effort for him to be unconcerned. He is
smoking. The officer hesitates. Hold suspense of situation.

87--Front of "Row." Night.

Ambulance attendants busy over man. Street crowd being
driven away by several policemen.

88--Ella's room. Gas-lit.

The officer moves forward, his eyes on Bill. Florence does
not betray the slightest sign of dismay. She looks at the
intruder as much in reproof as in surprise. Her steady look
disconcerts the policeman; he shuffles, clears his throat,
and explains his search, glancing toward Bill. Florence
says:

_Cut-in leader--_

"LIVING IN THE BACK OF THE HOUSE WE DON'T HEAR MUCH--