is heard at right rear._) (_Starkweather looks at Dobleman
and signifies that he is to open door._)

(_Dobleman unlocks door, and Hubbabd and Chalmers enter. Beyond
the shortest of nods and recognitions with eyes, greetings are
cut short by the strain that is on all. Dobleman relocks door._)

{Starkweather}

(_Plunging into it._) Look here, Tom. You know those letters Gherst
stole. Mr. Hubbard recovered them from Knox and returned them
to me this morning. Within five minutes Margaret stole them from
me--here, right in this room. She has not left the room. They are
on her now. I want them.

{Chalmers}

(_Who is obviously incapable of coping with his wife, and who is
panting for breath, his hand pressed to his side._) Madge, is this
true?

{Margaret}

I haven't them. I tell you I haven't them.

{Starkweather}

Where are they, then?

(_She does not answer._)

If they are in the room we can find them. Search the room. Tom,
Mr. Hubbard, Dobleman. They must be recovered at any cost.

(_While a thorough search of the room is being made, Mrs.
Starkweather, overcome, has Connie assist her to seat at left.
Margaret also seats herself, in same chair at desk._)

{Chalmers}

(_Pausing from search, while others continue._) There is no place
to look for them. They are not in the room. Are you sure you
didn't mislay them?

{Starkweather}

Nonsense. Margaret took them. They are a bulky package and not
easily hidden. If they aren't in the room, then she has them on
her.

{Chalmers}

Madge, give them up.

{Margaret}

I haven't them.

(_Chalmers, stepping suddenly up to her, starts feeling for the
papers, running his hands over her dress._)

{Margaret}

(_Springing to her feet and striking him in the face with her open
palm._) How dare you!

(_Chalmers recoils, Mrs. Starkweather is threatened with hysteria
and is calmed by the frightened Connie, while Starkweather looks
on grimly._)

{Hubbard}

(_Giving up search of room._) Possibly it would be better to let me
retire, Mr. Starkweather.

{Starkweather}

No; those papers are here in this room. If nobody leaves there
will be no possible chance for the papers to get out of the room.
What would you recommend doing, Hubbard?

{Hubbard}

(_Hesitatingly._) Under the circumstances I don't like to suggest--

{Starkweather}

Go on.

{Hubbard}

First, I would make sure that she--er--Mrs. Chalmers has taken
them.

{Starkweather}

I have made