endous
offences to society and to the code, without apology or satisfaction,
Ged, sir, is--er--er--of itself an insult to the spectator. I go, sir--

Oakhurst. But, Col. Starbottle--

Starbottle. Permit me to say, sir, that I hold myself for this, sir,
responsible, sir,--personally responsible.

[Exit STARBOTTLE, glancing furiously at SANDY, who sinks on sofa
laughing.

Oakhurst (aside). He will change his mind in half an hour. But, in the
mean time, time is precious. (Aloud.) Sandy, come!

Sandy (rising with alacrity). Yes, Jack, I'm ready.

Oakhurst. We are going (slowly and solemnly)--we are going to see your
father.

Sandy (dropping back with bashful embarrassment, and struggling to
release his arm from OAKHURST). No, Jack! Not just yet, Jack; in a
little while, ole boy! in about six months, or mebbe--a year, Jack! not
now, not now! I ain't feelin' exactly well, Jack,--I ain't.

Oakhurst. Nonsense, Sandy! Consider your duty and my honor.

Sandy (regaining his seat). That's all very well, Jack; but ye see,
pard, you've known the old man for nigh on a year, and it's twenty-five
since I met him. No, Jack; you don't play any ole man on to me to-night,
Jack. No, you and me'll just drop out for a pasear. Jack, eh? (Taking
OAKHURST'S arm.) Come!

Oakhurst. Impossible! Hush! (Listening.) It is HE passing through the
corridor. (Goes to wing R., and listens.)

Sandy (crowding hastily behind OAKHURST in alarm). But, I say, Jack! he
won't come in here? He's goin' to bed, you know. Eh? It ain't right for
a man o' his years--and he must be goin' on ninety, Jack--to be up like
this. It ain't healthy.

Oakhurst. You know him not. He seems to need no rest (sadly). Night
after night, long after the servants are abed, and the house is still,
I hear that step slowly pacing the corridor. It is the last sound as I
close my eyes, the first challenge of the morning.

Sandy. The ol' scound--(checking himself)--I mean, Jack, the ol' man has
suthin' on his mind. But, Jack (in great alarm), he don't waltz in upon
ye, Jack? He don't p'int them feet in yer, Jack? Ye ain't got to put up
with that, Jack, along o' yer other trials?

Oakhurst. He often seeks me here. Ah--yes--he is coming this way now.

Sandy (in ludicrous terror). Jack, pard, quick I hide me somewhere,
Jack!

Oakhurst (opening door R.). In there, quick! Not a sound, as you value
your future! [Exit SANDY hurriedly R.

SCENE 2.--The same. Enter door R., OLD MO