ere nothing we can get to swig now?--

_Basil._ They are all abed.

_Wyck._ I hate the sound of snoring, when I am
about at night. It puts one in mind of groans. Shall
I rouse the host?--

_Basil._ No! no! to business--first to hide these papers.

_Wyck._ Ay! and about thy brother.

_Basil._ You see these letters addressed to me
in his name by Sir Marmaduke Langdale, touching
the rising in the North, I will place them under yon
plank in the floor. 'Tis already loosened. Then,
when he is accused to Cromwell, who hath strong
doubts of him--I have seen to that; besides, I know
him, he doth fear for the king, and will incense them
all--I will have them found, and then--

_Wyck._ Why thou art Satan's trump-card! Mind
I have been thy faithful tool, thy messenger, and
love thee--thou mayest as well sign me the paper
thou didst speak of--five hundred a year--I will then
eschew dice and go live virtuously with a woman and
repent my youthful misdeeds. I am not like thee, to
sin when I have plenty.

_Basil._ Yes! yes! but come, assist--[_They lift up a
plank, U.E.L., in the floor, and deposit papers; as
they do so, enter HOST, still asleep, U.E.R. He goes
to a cup-board, which he opens, and then pouring out
a glass of spirits--drinks, and gives a kind of satisfied
grunt._] Hold! we are seen. [_Draws a dagger._]

_Wyck._ [_Springing up._] The devil! where is my
knife?--Hist! Do you not see?--he sleeps. I have
seen this before. Did I not tell you of the girl?--I
have heard them teaze him about this. [_To Basil._] Be
quiet, fool! [_They watch the HOST; he takes a pitcher of
water and pours into the flask he had been drinking
from._] The damned old thief! I could have sworn
it yesterday. He waters his strong drink. That's
why I have not been so well here. I have a cursed
cholic these three days, and missed the warm nip it
should give my stomach. The poisonous old dog!

_Basil._ Are you sure?

_Wyck._ Look at his eyes. You shall see me flourish
my blade before them, and he shall not wink. But
don't touch him. [_He goes up to him and menaces
him._] 'Tis all safe; he will go now. [_The HOST
replaces the things, and goes slowly out, U.E.R. The
clock strikes twelve._] Come, let us see where he puts
his keys. [_They steal out after him._]

SCENE VI.

[_Last Grooves._]

_A large apartment dimly lighted. Tables with
writing materials. A practicable door and stairs in
L.F., pr