class="sd">(During his speech George lights one of the candles.)

Ghosts can't hurt you. For my own part, I should rather like to see one.

Omnes. Oh, come now—— etc.

Penfold. Well, I'll bid you good-night, gentlemen.

(He goes towards door L. George opens it for him; he passes out as they all say.)

Omnes. Good-night.

(Hirst rises, crosses to L. C.)

Beldon (up R., calling after him). And I hope Jerry'll pay you a visit.

Malcolm (rises, goes to fire). Well, I'm going to have another whisky if you gentlemen will join me. I think it'll do us all good after that tale. George, take the orders.

(George comes down with salver to table R., gathers up glasses.)

Somers. Not quite so much hot water in mine.

Malcolm. I'll have the same again, George.

Beldon. A leetle bit of lemon in mine, George.

Leek. Whisky and soda for me, please.

Hirst. Whisky!

(George goes to table R., collects glasses, crosses to door L. speaks.)

George (to Malcolm). Shall I light the gas, Mr. Malcolm? (At door.)

Malcolm. No, the fire's very comfortable, unless any of you gentlemen prefer the gas.

Omnes. No, not at all—etc.

Malcolm. Never mind, George. (This to George as no one wants the gas.) The firelight is pleasanter.

(Exit George for orders L.)

(Beldon gets C.)

Malcolm (at fire). Does any gentleman know another——?

Somers (seated R.). Well, I remember hearing——

Beldon (up C.). Oh, I say—that'll do.

(Omnes laugh.)

Leek. Yes, I think you all look as if you'd heard enough ghost stories to do you the rest of your lives. And you're not all as anxious to see the real article as the old gentleman who's just gone.

Hirst (looking to L.). Old humbug! I should like to put him to the test. (C.) (Bus.) I say, suppose I dress up as Jerry Bundler and go and give him a chance of displaying his courage? I bet I'd make the old party sit up.

Malcolm. Capital!

Beldon. A good idea.

Leek. I shouldn't, if I were you.

Hirst. Just for the joke, gentlemen (C.).

Somers. No, no—drop it, Hirst.

Hirst. Only for the joke. Look here, I've got some things that'll do very well. We're going to have some amateur theatricals at my house. We're doing a couple of scenes from "The Rivals," Somers, (pointing to Somers) and I have been up to town to get the costumes, wigs, etc., to-day. I've got them up-stairs—knee-breeches, stockings, buckled shoes, and all that sort of thing. It's a rare chance. If you wait a bit, I'll give you a full dress rehearsal, entitled "Jerry Bundler, or the Nocturnal Stranger." (At door L.).

Leek (sneeringly). You won't frighten us, will you?

Hirst. I don't know so much about that—it's a question of acting, that's all.

Malcolm. I'll bet you a level sov, you don't frighten me.

Hirst (quietly). A level sov. (Pauses.) Done. I'll take the bet to frighten you first, and the old boy afterwards. These gentlemen shall be the judges. (Points to Leek and Beldon.)

Beldon (up C.). You won't frighten us because we're prepared for you, but you'd better leave the old man alone. It's dangerous play. (Appeals to Leek).

Hirst. Well, I'll try you first. (Moves to door and pauses.) No gas, mind.

Omnes. No! no!

Hirst (laughs). I'll give you a run for your money.

(George enters, holds door open.)

(Exit Hirst.)

(George passes drinks round. Five drinks. Somers takes the one ordered for Hirst and puts it on the table R. Beldon sits R. C. George crosses to table, puts two drinks down, goes to fire and gives drinks, then up to table, puts tray down, takes up glass and begins to wipe it, gets down L. for lines.)

Leek (to Malcolm). I think you'll win your bet, sir, but I vote we give him a chance. Suppose we have cigars round, and if he's not back by the time we've finished them I must be off, as I have a quarter of an hour's walk before me. (Looks at watch.) He's a friend of yours, isn't he?

Somers. Yes, I have known him a good many years now, and I must say he's a rum chap; just crazy about acting and practical joking, though I've often told him he carries the latter too far at times. In this case it doesn't matter, but I won't let him try it on the old gentleman. You see we know what he's going to do, and are prepared, but he doesn't, and it might lead to illness or worse; the old chap's sixty-two and such a shock might have serious consequences. But Hirst won't mind giving up that part of it, so long as he gets an opportunity of acting to us.

Leek (knocks pipe on grate). Well, I hope he'll hurry up. It's getting pretty late. (To Somers.)

Malcolm. Well, gentlemen, your health!

Somers. Good luck.

Leek. Hurrah!

Beldon. Chin-chin!

Leek. By the way, how is it you happen to be here to-night?

Somers. Oh, we missed the connection at Tolleston Junction and as the accommodation at the Railway Arms there was rather meagre, the Station Master