diff options
| author | nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org> | 2025-01-23 09:35:56 -0800 |
|---|---|---|
| committer | nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org> | 2025-01-23 09:35:56 -0800 |
| commit | b67bcbde06c950795d3c4d107bee9446cc27f7c4 (patch) | |
| tree | c02afcb2303ffa744f0f6839374f67f434c26808 | |
| parent | 4f70fb1c54cde160a6e5a4c8029e58cbbf419667 (diff) | |
| -rw-r--r-- | .gitattributes | 4 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | LICENSE.txt | 11 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | README.md | 2 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/64562-0.txt | 2503 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/64562-0.zip | bin | 18347 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/64562-h.zip | bin | 267644 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/64562-h/64562-h.htm | 4524 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/64562-h/images/cover.png | bin | 244942 -> 0 bytes |
8 files changed, 17 insertions, 7027 deletions
diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..2fc83d7 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #64562 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/64562) diff --git a/old/64562-0.txt b/old/64562-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 506b16e..0000000 --- a/old/64562-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,2503 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Grand Cham's Diamond, by Allan Monkhouse - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: The Grand Cham's Diamond - A Play in One Act - -Author: Allan Monkhouse - -Release Date: February 14, 2021 [eBook #64562] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -Produced by: Paul Haxo with special thanks to Google and the Bodleian - Libraries. - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GRAND CHAM'S DIAMOND *** - - - - -REPERTORY PLAYS, No. 44 - -THE GRAND CHAM’S DIAMOND - - - - -Entered at the Library of Congress, Washington, U.S.A. - -The performing rights of this play are fully protected. - -All applications for permission to perform “The Grand Cham’s Diamond” in -the British Empire (except Canada) must be addressed to Mr Allan -Monkhouse, Meadow Bank, Disley, Cheshire. For permission to perform in -America and Canada, to The Baker International Play Bureau, 41 Winter -Street, Boston, Mass. - -The fee for each and every representation of the play by amateurs in the -British Empire (except Canada) is one guinea; in America and Canada, -five dollars. These sums are payable in advance, and no performance may -take place unless a written permission has first been obtained. - -The terms for performance by professionals can be ascertained on -application. - - - - -THE GRAND CHAM’S DIAMOND - -A PLAY IN ONE ACT - - -BY - -ALLAN MONKHOUSE - - -GOWANS & GRAY, LTD., LONDON AND GLASGOW - -THE BAKER INTERNATIONAL PLAY BUREAU - -BOSTON, U.S.A. 1924 - - - - -Printed in Great Britain - -by Turnbull & Spears, Edinburgh - - - - -CHARACTERS - - MRS PERKINS - MR PERKINS - MISS PERKINS - A MAN IN BLACK - ALBERT WATKINS - -_This play was first produced at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre on -September 21, 1918, by Mr John Drinkwater, with the following cast:_ - - Mrs Perkins . CATHLEEN ORFORD - Mr Perkins . REGINALD GATTY - Miss Perkins . SIDNEY LEON - A Man in Black . NOEL SHAMMON - Albert Watkins . J. ADRIAN BYRNE - - - - -THE GRAND CHAM’S DIAMOND - - -SCENE: _A sitting-room in a small house in a London suburb. The window -is in the wall to the left of the spectator and the door in the right -half of the back wall. The furniture is ordinary. On the chimneypiece, -to the right of the spectator, is a clock. The room is lit by electric -light. It is some time after the evening meal. Mr Perkins is reading a -newspaper. Mrs Perkins is darning a sock, and Miss Perkins is engaged -upon a jigsaw puzzle._ - -MRS PERKINS - -What I mean t’ say is that it’s not much fun for us. - -MR PERKINS - -All right, Ma. - -MISS PERKINS - -(_Engaged on her puzzle._) Bother! - -MRS PERKINS - -It makes a long evenin’ of it. Same every night. We ’ave our tea and -then we just set down till it’s time to go to bed. It’s not fair. - -MR PERKINS - -Same for all of us. - -MRS PERKINS - -That it’s not. - -MR PERKINS - -Why isn’t it? - -MRS PERKINS - -Do y’ or do y’ not go out o’ this ’ouse every mornin’ and spend the day -out? - -MR PERKINS - -It’d be a poor job for you if I didn’t. - -MRS PERKINS - -I don’t say anythin’ about that. I don’t interfere. - -MR PERKINS - -’Ow could y’ interfere? - -MISS PERKINS - -Bother! - -MRS PERKINS - -Don’t interrup’ like that when me and your pa’s talkin’, Polly. - -MISS PERKINS - -My name isn’t Polly. - -MR PERKINS - -What is it? - -MISS PERKINS - -It’s Marie. - -MR PERKINS - -Well, I’m blowed! - -MRS PERKINS - -An’ why shouldn’t she ’ave a bit of a change? She’s tired of bein’ -Polly. - -MISS PERKINS - -I do think we might have a little more change. - -MR PERKINS - -Don’t you start. - -MISS PERKINS - -We might have gone out to the pictures to-night, as Mother said. - -MR PERKINS - -Your young man might ’ave come and found you out. - -MISS PERKINS - -You know he’s engaged in the evenings. - -MR PERKINS - -Yes, and what at? - -MISS PERKINS - -Never mind! - -MRS PERKINS - -I do think, Polly, that he ought to be a bit more open with you. What -_does_ he do? - -MR PERKINS - -Ay; what does Albert Watkins do? - -MISS PERKINS - -Never you mind! - -MRS PERKINS - -’E’s never told ’er. - -MR PERKINS - -I ’ope it’s nothin’ to be ashamed of. - -MISS PERKINS - -P’raps I know more than you think. - -MRS PERKINS - -’As ’e said? - -MISS PERKINS - -It’s confidential. - -MR PERKINS - -Oh! I know that tale. - -MRS PERKINS - -Well, Polly’s got ’er young man and you’ve got your business an’ out all -day seein’ people. What ’ave I got? - -MR PERKINS - -Well, what should y’ ’ave? What does any woman ’ave? I dunno what you’re -botherin’ about. Y’ ’ad a week at Margate this year. - -MRS PERKINS - -(_Derisively_.) ’Ome from ’ome! - -MR PERKINS - -A good woman ought to like ’er ’ome. - -MRS PERKINS - -I never said I didn’t like it. - -MR PERKINS - -Well---- - -MRS PERKINS - -’Ome’s a place to come back to. - -MISS PERKINS - -Mother’s romantic. That’s what she is. - -MRS PERKINS - -What _is_ that, Polly? It’s a word I never rightly---- - -MR PERKINS - -Romantic! At ’er age! - -MRS PERKINS - -You know what it is, do y’? - -MR PERKINS - -It’s penny dreadfuls and the pictures and gassin’ about love and the -deep blue sea. - -MRS PERKINS - -Well, y’ might do worse. - -MR PERKINS - -Whatever’s come over ’er? - -MRS PERKINS - -I’ve always thought I should like to travel. - -MISS PERKINS - -(_At her puzzle._) I think there’s a bit missing. - -MRS PERKINS - -Eh? A bit missin’? That’s the way with me; there’s always bin a bit -missin’. - -MR PERKINS - -I dunno why y’re startin’ like this now. Y’ve ’ad all these years to -settle down in. What’s come over yer? - -MRS PERKINS - -Eh! Don’t ask me. I think ’er Albert’s comin’ about ’as unsettled me. - -MISS PERKINS - -Albert! - -MRS PERKINS - -Well, I see ’im an’ you and I think what might ’a’ been. - -MR PERKINS - -What’s that? - -MRS PERKINS - -Well, I was young onct. - -MR PERKINS - -But y’re not now. - -MRS PERKINS - -You’ve no call to throw it in m’ teeth. - -MR PERKINS - -Teeth indeed! - -MRS PERKINS - -Don’t be insultin’, Mr Perkins. - -MR PERKINS - -I wasn’t bein’. - -MRS PERKINS - -Yes, y’ was. - -MISS PERKINS - -I don’t see why Albert should unsettle you. - -MRS PERKINS - -If I was you I’d want to know ’ow ’e spends ’is evenings. - -MISS PERKINS - -It’s no business of yours, Ma. - -MR PERKINS - -It’ll be some bus’ness of mine. I think it’s about time Albert spoke to -me. - -MISS PERKINS - -Spoke to you? - -MR PERKINS - -Placed ’is position an’ prospects before me. - -MISS PERKINS - -Well, I believe he’s a confidential agent. - -MRS PERKINS - -A what! - -MR PERKINS - -What sort of a’ agent? - -MISS PERKINS - -It’s confidential--or financial p’raps. - -MR PERKINS - -He’s kiddin’ yer. - -MRS PERKINS - -Do they work at night? - -MISS PERKINS - -I’ve always understood that Rothschilds and people like that did this -business at parties--on the quiet. - -MR PERKINS - -Bosh! - -MISS PERKINS - -Oh, very well, Pa. - -[_Miss Perkins settles to her puzzle. Mrs Perkins darns stolidly. Mr -Perkins returns to the paper. A short pause._ - -MRS PERKINS - -Well, it’s too late for the movies now. - -MISS PERKINS - -Ah! That’s it. - -[_She finds the missing bit._ - -MRS PERKINS - -What’s in the paper, Pa? - -MR PERKINS - -There’s a Cabinet crisis. - -MRS PERKINS - -Isn’t there anythin’ interestin’? - -MR PERKINS - -’Ere’s a child stole a shillin’ an’ swallowed it t’ escape detection. - -MRS PERKINS - -Poor thing! - -MR PERKINS - -’Ere! Is this more in your line? Great Jewel Robbery! The Grand Cham’s -Diamond missing. - -MRS PERKINS - -Eh! What’s that? - -MISS PERKINS - -Who is the Grand Cham? - -MR PERKINS - -’E’s--one o’ them Eastern potentates. ’E’s been stayin’ at the Majestic -Hotel. The dimond was taken out of the settin’ and a walnut substituted. - -MRS PERKINS - -A walnut! It must be a whopper. - -MISS PERKINS - -Why did they substitute a walnut? - -MR PERKINS - -You must substitute somethin’. - -MISS PERKINS - -Why? - -MR PERKINS - -I don’t know. They always do. The brightest treasure of the East. Not -the slightest trace. Supposed Asiatic gang. Sherlock Holmes and Father -Brown have been summoned and a telegram despatched to Mossier Lecock. - -MRS PERKINS - -(_With satisfaction._) Well, that’s somethin’ like. - -MISS PERKINS - -What’s it worth? - -MR PERKINS - -Eh! I dunno. Thousands, thousands. They say it makes the Koh-i-noor take -a back seat. - -MRS PERKINS - -Reelly? - -MR PERKINS - -What ’ud you do, old lady, if I brought it ’ome for y’r birthday? - -MRS PERKINS - -Well, I’d wear it, I s’pose. - -MISS PERKINS - -You’d never dare, Ma. - -MRS PERKINS - -I would that. - -MISS PERKINS - -But thieves’d always be after it. - -MRS PERKINS - -What ’d these thieves do with it when they’ve got it? - -MR PERKINS - -I s’pose they chop it up and sell it in bits. - -MRS PERKINS - -What a shame! - -MR PERKINS - -I dessay they’re off to South America. - -MRS PERKINS - -Why? - -MR PERKINS - -No extrydition. - -MRS PERKINS - -What’s that? D’ y’ mean last ’dition extra? - -MISS PERKINS - -No, Ma. It means that thieves can’t be turned out. - -MRS PERKINS - -Why not? - -MR PERKINS - -It’s like it used to be with slaves here. Once the South American flag’s -waved over ’em, they’re all right. - -MISS PERKINS - -It isn’t all one country there, Pa. - -MR PERKINS - -Well, I reckon they’re much of a muchness. - -MRS PERKINS - -An’ could you sell it there? - -MR PERKINS - -Yes, they’re great people for jewl’ry. - -MRS PERKINS - -Polly, you’re doin’ nothin’. Y’ might as well be mendin’ that blind. - -MISS PERKINS - -Oh, bother! - -MRS PERKINS - -It looks bad hangin’ down like that. - -MISS PERKINS - -(_Going towards the window._) People’ll see in. - -MRS PERKINS - -There’s not many passin’ at this time o’ night. - -MISS PERKINS - -It makes it so public. (_She takes the blind from the lower part of -the window and begins to mend it._) Where’s the white thread, Ma? - -MRS PERKINS - -Here y’ are. Now, make a job of it. - -[_Mr Perkins has returned to his paper, his daughter is more or less -intent on her work, Mrs Perkins darns and yawns. Mr Perkins snores -gently._ - -MRS PERKINS - -Might as well all be asleep. - -MISS PERKINS - -Listen, Ma! - -MRS PERKINS - -Somebody runnin’. Seem in an ’urry. - -[_Something crashes through the window and falls with broken glass -upon the floor._ - -MISS PERKINS - -Good gracious! - -MRS PERKINS - -Mercy on us! - -MR PERKINS - -(_Waking up_.) Fire! Where is it? - -MRS PERKINS - -Nonsense, Pa! It’s them boys. Out arter ’em. - -MR PERKINS - -What! Where? - -MISS PERKINS - -No. Don’t go. Don’t leave us. It can’t be boys. - -MR PERKINS - -(_Seeing the broken window._) This is very careless, Polly. - -MISS PERKINS - -It wasn’t me. It’s a stone, I think. - -MRS PERKINS - -They’re far enough now. Where is it? - -MISS PERKINS - -I’m all of a tremble. - -MRS PERKINS - -You ought to ’ave run right out, Pa, and you might ’ave caught ’em. I -never did see such a thing. - -MR PERKINS - -It’s an outrage, this is. Did y’ see anybody? - -MRS PERKINS - -We ’eard somebody runnin’. - -MISS PERKINS - -I thought I ’eard somebody passing after that. Quietly like. Runnin’ -very light. - -MR PERKINS - -Nonsense, Polly. Better put that blind up now. - -MISS PERKINS - -You put it up. - -MR PERKINS - -Do as I tell you. - -MISS PERKINS - -I don’t like. - -MRS PERKINS - -’Ere, ’ere. Give it me. - -[_She puts it up and peers out into the street._ - -MISS PERKINS - -Come away, Ma. - -MR PERKINS - -Where’s the stone? - -[_They all look about the floor._ - -MISS PERKINS - -Here it is. Here’s something. (_She picks it up._) Why! it’s a lump -of glass. - -MR PERKINS - -Let’s look! - -MRS PERKINS - -Let me see. - -[_They crowd round._ - -MR PERKINS - -I say! - -MISS PERKINS - -What is it? What is it? - -MRS PERKINS - -Give it me, Polly. - -[_She grabs it._ - -MR PERKINS - -Hold it up to the light. - -MISS PERKINS - -Why! What can it be? - -MRS PERKINS - -(_Relinquishing it to her husband._) Nonsense! Nonsense! - -[_She goes back to her chair and begins to fumble with her darning. -She is greatly agitated._ - -MR PERKINS - -It’s a rum thing, this is. - -MISS PERKINS - -Eh! Isn’t it beautiful? - -MR PERKINS - -It might be a---- - -MISS PERKINS - -Diamond? - -MR PERKINS - -Nonsense! - -MRS PERKINS - -(_Rushing forward._) Hide it! - -[_She seizes the diamond and looks about the room._ - -MISS PERKINS - -Why! What d’ y’ mean, Ma! - -MRS PERKINS - -It’s it. - -MR PERKINS - -(_Feebly._) What’s it? - -MRS PERKINS - -You know. - -MR PERKINS - -What--what--what rubbish! The idea! - -MRS PERKINS - -(_Looking at it in her palm._) It’s the Grand Cham’s dimond. - -MR PERKINS - -Then it’s dangerous. - -MRS PERKINS - -Never mind that. - -MISS PERKINS - -What shall we do? - -[_She begins to whimper._ - -MRS PERKINS - -Stop that, Polly. - -MR PERKINS - -P’raps we’d better look out for a policeman. - -MRS PERKINS - -No. - -MR PERKINS - -If it is it we’re not safe. - -MRS PERKINS - -I don’t care. - -MR PERKINS - -But what d’ y’ want to do? - -MRS PERKINS - -Here! Let’s put it inside the clock. (_She opens the back of the clock -and crams it in._) Now! - -MR PERKINS - -What are y’ up to, Ma? - -MISS PERKINS - -I wish you’d throw it out in the street again. - -MRS PERKINS - -No, no. - -MR PERKINS - -But what _are_ y’ up to? - -MRS PERKINS - -It’s come to us, this ’as. We’ll stick to it if we can. - -MR PERKINS - -But---- - -MISS PERKINS - -Oh, Ma! - -MRS PERKINS - -They may not find the ’ouse again. They’re all alike in this street. - -MR PERKINS - -There’s the broken window. - -MRS PERKINS - -Let’s ’ave the bits of glass out. Then it won’t be noticed. - -[_She peers out into the street. Then she begins to pluck the -fragments of broken glass from the window. She winces and licks her -finger._ - -MR PERKINS - -You’ve cut yourself now. - -MRS PERKINS - -Never mind that. Polly, pick all the bits off the floor. Don’t leave a -trace. - -[_She licks her finger. Polly obeys._ - -MR PERKINS - -Now, what’s all this about? - -MISS PERKINS - -(_On the floor._) I dunno what’s come over ’er. - -MRS PERKINS - -’Ere, Polly, look alive. ’Ave y’ got ’em all? - -MISS PERKINS - -All I can find. - -MRS PERKINS - -Drat it! A bit’s fallen outside. Go out and pick it up, Pa. No; p’raps -better not. - -MR PERKINS - -Look here! What’s y’r game? - -MRS PERKINS - -Give here! (_She takes all the fragments together and puts them under -the sofa cushion. She looks round the room, listens at the window and -returns to her darning_.) If anyone comes, mind we know nothin’ about -it. - -MR PERKINS - -It depends ’oo comes, doesn’t it? - -MRS PERKINS - -No. - -MR PERKINS - -It might be the police. - -MRS PERKINS - -Never mind the police. - -MR PERKINS - -Why! What d’ y’ mean? What _do_ y’ mean? - -MRS PERKINS - -It’s the chanct of a lifetime. We’ll take it. - -MISS PERKINS - -Oh, Ma! - -MR PERKINS - -Look ’ere---- - -MRS PERKINS - -It’s come to us. It might a’ bin the answer to a prayer. - -MR PERKINS - -Was it? - -MRS PERKINS - -Not exactly, but I’ve been thinkin’ a lot. - -MR PERKINS - -More likely the devil. - -MRS PERKINS - -There’s no such thing. Y’re talkin’ nonsense. - -MR PERKINS - -No devil. Then is there God? - -MRS PERKINS - -There may be. ’E may ’av sent it. - -MR PERKINS - -It’s awful talk, this. - -MISS PERKINS - -Why! What could you do with it? - -MRS PERKINS - -Chop it up and sell it. - -MR PERKINS - -Where? - -MRS PERKINS - -In South America. - -MR PERKINS - -Good ’eavens! - -MISS PERKINS - -Ma, how can you? - -MR PERKINS - -’Ave y’ took leave of y’r senses? - -MRS PERKINS - -Yes, if y’ like. - -MR PERKINS - -Well, I’ve ’eard tell as women aren’t honest like men and now I know it. - -MRS PERKINS - -’Ow do I know you’re honest? - -MR PERKINS - -I’ve never took a thing in my life. I’ve a record, ’aven’t I? - -MRS PERKINS - -I dessay. I dunno. I won’t give it up. I won’t. I won’t. So there! - -MR PERKINS - -’Ow can y’ ’elp it? - -MRS PERKINS - -I’ve sat there darnin’ and mendin’, waitin’ and dozin’ till I’m tired. -I’ve never ’ad a go at anythin’. The chanct ’as come. - -MISS PERKINS - -I did think you were honest, Ma. - -MRS PERKINS - -Honest! It’s ours. - -MR PERKINS - -’Ow can it be? - -MRS PERKINS - -’Oo’s is it? - -MR PERKINS - -Why! That Grand Cham’s. - -MRS PERKINS - -An’ ’ow did ’e get it? ’E’s a tyrant. ’E stole it off some nigger. Now -it’s come to me. It’s mine. It’s mine as much as anyone’s. It’s come -like a miracle. - -MISS PERKINS - -But you can’t keep it. - -MR PERKINS - -Y’r ma amazes me. - -MRS PERKINS - -First thing in the mornin’ y’ll get a list o’ them ships sailin’ for -South America. - -MISS PERKINS - -Oh, Ma! Ma! - -MR PERKINS - -She’s off ’er chump. - -MRS PERKINS - -I’ll go alone if y’ like. - -MR PERKINS - -It’s dangerous. It’s dangerous. There may be a revolver levelled at y’ -now. - -MRS PERKINS - -I don’t care. - -MR PERKINS - -I never knew she was like this. - -MISS PERKINS - -South America? Where? - -MRS PERKINS - -Y’ shall ’ave jewels and dresses no end, Polly. - -MISS PERKINS - -Don’t, Ma. - -MR PERKINS - -South America! Like that chap Jabez Balfour. - -MISS PERKINS - -He was brought back, wasn’t he? - -MR PERKINS - -I object to be put along of ’im, any’ow. - -MRS PERKINS - -We’d manage better than that. Riches! Livin’ at ease. Motors an’ -champagne. We’ve never ’ad a chanct! - -MR PERKINS - -It can’t be done. It’s all nonsense. An’ it’s ’orrible to think of. - -MRS PERKINS - -Oh! It’s a beautiful thing. I couldn’t bear to break it up. We’ll keep -it. We’ll look at it now and then. Every Sunday. - -MR PERKINS - -Sunday! - -MRS PERKINS - -I could go on settin’ ’ere if I knew it was there all the time. I think -I could be ’appy. - -MISS PERKINS - -You’d never be safe. - -MRS PERKINS - -Safe! I’ve bin too safe. - -MR PERKINS - -Oh, missis! Oh, missis! - -MISS PERKINS - -It’s strange nobody’s come. - -MRS PERKINS - -Nobody’s comin’. It’s a gift. - -MR PERKINS - -It may not be--what y’ think. - -MRS PERKINS - -(_Fiercely._) It is. - -MR PERKINS - -Then they’ll be after us. Police--or worse. - -MRS PERKINS - -Let ’em come. - -[_There is a ring at the door-bell. They all stand tense._ - -MR PERKINS - -Now, there. - -MISS PERKINS - -Oh, dear! - -MRS PERKINS - -You’ll not say a word. You’ll do as I tell you. Mind that. We know -nothing. - -MISS PERKINS - -There’s the window. - -MRS PERKINS - -Leave that to me. - -MR PERKINS - -Oh! But, I say---- - -MRS PERKINS - -Thomas Perkins, you’ll rue it to your dyin’ day if---- - -[_The ring again._ - -MR PERKINS - -Who’s goin’? - -MRS PERKINS - -I am. Remember! - -[_She goes out._ - -MISS PERKINS - -What are we to do, Pa? - -MR PERKINS - -Eh! I’m beat. - -MISS PERKINS - -Shall we throw it out of the window? - -MR PERKINS - -No, no. Best not. Humour her a bit. It may be nothin’. - -MRS PERKINS - -(_Outside._) No, you don’t. ’Ere. I tell yer---- - -STRANGER - -Excuse me. - -MRS PERKINS - -Pa, ’ere’s a man forcin’ ’is way---- - -MISS PERKINS - -Oh, dear! - -MR PERKINS - -Dash it all! I say! - -[_Mrs Perkins and a dark Stranger, dressed in black, enter together. -She is resisting his advance, but he presses on ruthlessly. As he enters -she gives way and changes her tactics._ - -MRS PERKINS - -Well, I must say! Pushin’ a lady about like that! What bis’ness ’ave y’ -’ere? - -STRANGER - -I’ve told you, madam. - -MRS PERKINS - -A fine tale! Y’r boy an’ ’is glass marble! Where is ’e? I tell yer we -know nothin’ about it. Do we, Pa? - -[_Behind the Stranger, with a terrific frown, she shakes her fist at -him._ - -MR PERKINS - -(_Feebly blustering_.) Now what’s all this? - -MISS PERKINS - -Oh, Ma! - -MRS PERKINS - -Shut up! - -STRANGER - -I’m sorry to intrude, sir, but I’ve lost something in your room. - -MRS PERKINS - -What nonsense! ’Ow could yer? - -STRANGER - -As I have told this lady, my little boy---- - -MRS PERKINS - -Where is ’e? - -STRANGER - -(_To Mr Perkins_.) His favourite glass marble. He pretended to -throw it. It slipped from his hand and, I am sorry to say, went through -your window. I apologise and shall be glad to pay. Please give me -the--marble at once. Where is it? I’ve no time to lose. - -MRS PERKINS - -Where’s the boy? - -STRANGER - -He’s just round the corner. - -MRS PERKINS - -D’ y’ expect us to believe that tale? - -STRANGER - -(_With a flash of menace._) You’d better. (_To Mr Perkins_.) -Now, sir! - -MR PERKINS - -It’s a bit thick, y’ know; I mean thin. - -STRANGER - -It will have to do. No trifling. Come! - -[_He is looking about the room, having cursorily glanced at the floor. -He strides to the window and pulls down the blind._ - -MRS PERKINS - -None o’ y’r liberties here. Get out! - -MR PERKINS - -’Ere, y’ know! _(Aside to Mrs Perkins_.) Ma, I don’t like it. - -STRANGER - -The devil! Where’s the glass? - -MRS PERKINS - -What glass? - -STRANGER - -The pane’s gone. You see! I knew this was the house. - -MRS PERKINS - -That’s easy explained. - -MISS PERKINS - -Oh, Ma! Tell him and---- - -MRS PERKINS - -Of course I’ll tell ’im. (_She menaces Miss Perkins surreptitiously_.) -It’s my daughter’s newfangled ideas of ventilation. She would ’ave it -so. It’s been that way a fortnight. No--let’s see--to-day’s Tuesday. -Nigh on a month. - -STRANGER - -Damnation! Where is it? Where’s the diamond? - -MRS PERKINS - -(_With a shriek of exultation._) The diamond! - -STRANGER - -Yes, let me tell you then. Your lives are in danger. You’ve got the -Grand Cham’s diamond. - -MR PERKINS - -’Ow did it get ’ere? - -STRANGER - -The thief was pursued. He threw it in. - -MR PERKINS - -(_Querulously._) Why did ’e throw it in ’ere? - -STRANGER - -Don’t be a fool. - -MRS PERKINS - -An’ ’oo are you? - -STRANGER - -I am--the Grand Cham’s representative. - -MRS PERKINS - -Prove it. - -STRANGER - -Enough of this. - -[_He draws a revolver. Miss Perkins shrieks. Mr Perkins recoils and -edges away. Mrs Perkins stands firm._ - -MR PERKINS - -Ma! Ma! - -STRANGER - -(_Rapping the butt of the revolver on the table._) Where is it? - -MRS PERKINS - -I’ll tell yer. - -STRANGER - -At once. - -MRS PERKINS - -I’ve swallered it. - -STRANGER - -(_Greatly discomposed._) What! - -MRS PERKINS - -It went down as easy as a oyster. - -STRANGER - -Swallowed it! You’re joking! - -MRS PERKINS - -No. I got the idea out of the evenin’ paper. Where is it, Pa? ’Ere. -“Child swallows Shillin’. Curious Case.” - -STRANGER - -(_To the others_.) Is this true? - -MISS PERKINS - -Oh, I don’t know. - -MR PERKINS - -Y’ see, I was asleep. - -STRANGER - -Asleep! - -MR PERKINS - -Wasn’t I, Mother? - -MRS PERKINS - -’E’d sleep through anythin’. - -STRANGER - -D’ you mean to say----? Where is it? - -MRS PERKINS - -I’ve just told yer. - -STRANGER - -On your oath---- - -MRS PERKINS - -Oath! D’ y’ doubt the word of a lady? - -STRANGER - -Then--d’ you feel it--I mean--whereabouts is it now? - -MRS PERKINS - -I don’t think that’s a question a gentleman ’d ask. - -STRANGER - -Kites of hell! You’ll have to be cut open. - -MRS PERKINS - -Nay, I won’t. - -STRANGER - -(_To himself._) Cremation? Would it melt the diamond? - -MRS PERKINS - -I won’t be cremated. There! Y’ ’ve to get the deceased’s consent. I’m -goin’ to be buried when my time comes. - -STRANGER - -(_Pacing about in agitation while Mrs Perkins controls the others by -nods and winks._) What’s to be done? An emetic? - -MRS PERKINS - -You’d better go ’ome an’ say it’s lost. - -STRANGER - -Unhappy woman! Do you understand that your life is a trifle, a pawn in -the game? - -MRS PERKINS - -Pawn! Yes, an’ y’ can’t get it out without the ticket. - -STRANGER - -It’s impossible. It can’t be. (_He turns on the others._) The -truth! Did she swallow it? If she did, she dies. - -MISS PERKINS - -Oh, no, no. She didn’t. - -MRS PERKINS - -You silly! - -MISS PERKINS - -Oh, Ma! - -MR PERKINS - -Ma, Ma, what can we do? - -MRS PERKINS - -Y can ’old y’r tongues. Y’re no ’elp at all. - -STRANGER - -What folly this is! What can you do with it? That diamond means death to -you. Death! Destruction! You haven’t a chance of keeping it. You’re mad. -Your lives now are not worth a minute’s purchase. - -MISS PERKINS - -Give it up, Ma. I’ll tell you where it is. It’s---- - -MRS PERKINS - -(_In a terrible voice._) Stop! - -MR PERKINS - -What can you do, Ma? Chuck it! Chuck it! - -MRS PERKINS - -’E don’t bluff me. ’E’s in a great ’urry. I believe ’e’s the thief. - -STRANGER - -Thousand devils! We’re wasting time. (_He looks at the clock and then -plucks out his watch._) Your clock’s slow. It’s stopped. It was that -time when I came in. - -MISS PERKINS - -Tell him. Tell him. - -MR PERKINS - -Oh, chuck it! - -STRANGER - -(_Perceiving that he is getting “warm.”_) What stopped the -clock? - -MISS PERKINS - -(_Hysterically._) Give it ’im. - -MRS PERKINS - -Polly, I’m ashamed of yer. - -[_A face appears at the window, but they do not see it._ - -STRANGER - -Is it there? - -[_He makes for the clock, and Mrs Perkins throws herself in front._ - -MRS PERKINS - -No, it’s not; and y’ shan’t meddle with my furniture. - -STRANGER - -(_Pointing the revolver at her_.) Move aside! - -MRS PERKINS - -Move aside yerself. - -STRANGER - -(_He hesitates, then turns the revolver on Miss Perkins._) Is it -there? Quick! - -[_Miss Perkins shrieks, a hand with a revolver in it is thrust through -the empty pane, the revolver is fired, the Stranger drops his, stamps, -curses, and wrings his hands. A man opens the window-sash and springs -into the room._ - -MISS PERKINS - -Albert! - -MRS PERKINS - -What! It’s Albert. - -[_The Stranger rushes to the switch and turns off the light. Darkness, -shouting, and confusion. The light is turned on. The furniture is -disarranged, the Stranger and the clock have gone, the others are -distributed about the room, Mrs Perkins sitting in the chair she first -occupied._ - -ALBERT - -Who’s got it? - -MR PERKINS - -He’s gone. - -MISS PERKINS - -Oh! Albert! - -ALBERT - -Where’s the diamond? - -MR PERKINS - -It was in the clock. - -ALBERT - -The clock? Where is it? - -MISS PERKINS - -Oh! Albert! - -MR PERKINS - -’E’s taken it. ’E’s got the clock. - -MRS PERKINS - -Nay, ’e ’asn’t. - -[_She produces the clock from under her petticoats._ - -MR PERKINS - -Well, I’m blowed! - -MISS PERKINS - -Oh, Ma! - -ALBERT - -What is it? Have you got it? - -MRS PERKINS - -I’ve got it right enough. - -[_She carries the clock to the chimneypiece, opens it, and takes out -the diamond._ - -Will that gentleman come back? - -ALBERT - -No, he won’t. - -MRS PERKINS - -How d’ y’ know? - -ALBERT - -I know. - -MRS PERKINS - -Polly, just put that blind back, will yer? I don’t like bein’ too -public. - -MISS PERKINS - -Oh! I daren’t. - -ALBERT - -Now, ma’am, give it to me. - -MRS PERKINS - -Eh? - -ALBERT - -Let’s have it. Quick. - -MRS PERKINS - -Where d’ you come in, Albert? - -ALBERT - -Come on. This’ll be the making o’ me. - -MRS PERKINS - -O’ me too, I ’ope. But ’adn’t we all better be movin’? - -MISS PERKINS - -Where to, Ma? - -MRS PERKINS - -Out at the back door. Pack a few things in a bag. - -ALBERT - -What are y’ up to? Whad’ y’r mean? - -MRS PERKINS - -Now, Albert, there’s no time to make explanations. We’re all in at this, -aren’t we? - -ALBERT - -Well--in a way. But look here---- - -MRS PERKINS - -South America’s the place, isn’t it? D’ y’ know anythin’ o’ the -sailin’s! Or ’ad we better cross to France? Better take the midnight -train somewhere. - -ALBERT - -Has she gone dotty? - -MRS PERKINS - -Y’re all asleep. Come on, Polly. A few things in a bag. Now, Pa. Better -put this light out p’raps. Is the front door shut? Look at the -time-table, Pa. - -[_She is making for the door when Albert intercepts her._ - -ALBERT - -Give me the diamond. I dunno what y’re talkin’ about. - -MRS PERKINS - -Nay, I stick to this. - -ALBERT - -You can’t! What nonsense! Give it here! This job’s the making o’ me. -Let’s have it. - -MRS PERKINS - -Nay, it’s mine an’ I’ll stick to it. - -ALBERT - -Yours! - -MRS PERKINS - -Yes. Dimonds like this belongs to them as can get ’em. Nobody’s honest -with things like this. I got it an’ y’ shall all share. But it’s mine. -It’s mine. Eh! It’s a beauty. I’d stick to this if all the p’lice in -London was after me. - -ALBERT - -Y’d do what? - -MRS PERKINS - -Ay, an’ Scotland Yard too. - -ALBERT - -Bah! _I_’m Scotland Yard. - -MRS PERKINS - -What! - -MISS PERKINS - -Oh! Albert! - -ALBERT - -Didn’t y’ know? Didn’t y’ guess? Didn’t y’ understand? What did y’ take -me for? - -MRS PERKINS - -D’y mean to say----? - -ALBERT - -I mean t’ say it’s ’igh time I was on my way back with this dimond. The -gang’s all rounded up by this time. - -MISS PERKINS - -The gang? - -MR PERKINS - -That feller was one of ’em, then? Where is he? - -ALBERT - -He was copped when he left ’ere. Y’ didn’t know y’r ’ouse was -surrounded. - -MRS PERKINS - -But ’ow did the dimond come ’ere? ’Oo threw it in? - -ALBERT - -I did. - -MISS PERKINS - -You! - -MR PERKINS - -You did! - -ALBERT - -I did that. - -MR PERKINS - -Why? - -ALBERT - -Becos they were after me. I was a dead man if I stuck to it then. I -threw it in ’ere to gain time and knowin’ the ’ouse. - -MISS PERKINS - -Well, I never! - -ALBERT - -They’re a desp’rate lot. - -MR PERKINS - -It’s all most unusual. Never since I’ve been an ’ouse’older ’ave I---- - -MISS PERKINS - -Oh, Albert! You might ’ave told me. - -ALBERT - -I ’ad my reasons. - -MRS PERKINS - -Y’re a detective, then? - -ALBERT - -I am that. So let’s ’ave it. I tell yer I must be off. - -MRS PERKINS - -(_Holding up the diamond, but away from him._) Look at it, Albert! - -ALBERT - -I see it. - -MRS PERKINS - -Can y’ be honest? Look at it! - -ALBERT - -She’s off ’er chump. - -MR PERKINS - -She doesn’t reelly mean it. I’ve borne a ’igh character all my life. - -MRS PERKINS - -(_Passionately._) It’s _my_ dimond. - -MISS PERKINS - -I’m ashamed of my ma. - -MR PERKINS - -My employers ’as always put the utmost confidence in me. - -ALBERT - -What’s she up to? Now ma’am, you’ll just ’and that over or---- - -MRS PERKINS - -Or? - -ALBERT - -(_He produces a whistle._) I wouldn’t ’andle yer myself. - -MRS PERKINS - -That’s it, is it? - -ALBERT - -That’s it. - -MRS PERKINS - -Then let it go the way it came. - -[_She throws it through the window._ - -MR PERKINS - -’Old on. There’s another pane gone! - -ALBERT - -O ’ell! - -[_He rushes out._ - -MISS PERKINS - -You’ll ruin us, Ma. - -MRS PERKINS - -(_Dusting one hand against the other._) A good shuttance. - -MISS PERKINS - -(_At the window._) Oh! I hope he’ll find it. There he is, and a -policeman’s with him. They’ve got it, I think. Yes. Albert, Albert! I -wish he’d look up. They’re seeing if it’s damaged. There! He’s waved his -hand. - -MRS PERKINS - -(_She has settled into her chair_.) Well, we’ve ’ad quite a busy -evenin’. - -MISS PERKINS - -I don’t know what Albert’ll think of you. - -MRS PERKINS - -’E’s not going to marry me, thank ’eaven. - -MR PERKINS - -D’ y’ want t’ know what _I_ think of yer? - -MRS PERKINS - -Go on! Y’ve no ’magernation. - -MISS PERKINS - -I never thought to be ashamed of my own mother. - -MR PERKINS - -Wantin’ in the very el’ments of morality. I wonder ’ow Sossiety ’d get -on if they was all like you. - -MRS PERKINS - -Polly, put up that blind. It’s a bit chilly with them broken panes. - -MISS PERKINS - -Most unladylike as well. - -[_They settle down into their chairs again. Mrs Perkins takes up her -darning and Mr Perkins the paper. After putting up the blind Miss -Perkins returns to her puzzle._ - -MRS PERKINS - -’Ow much did y’ say it was worth, Pa? - -MR PERKINS - -(_Gruffly._) Never mind. - -MRS PERKINS - -Well, I ’ad my bit o’ fun for onct. - -CURTAIN - - - - -Transcriber’s Note - - -This transcription is based on the 1924 edition published by Gowans -& Gray in London and Glasgow. Scanned images of a copy made available by -the Bodleian Library are posted by Google: - -https://books.google.com/books?id=B2MVAAAAQAAJ - -The following changes were made to the printed text: - ---The formatting of stage directions following lines—that is, those -that begin with an opening square bracket—has been standardized. - ---Pg 34: _As he enters she gives way and changes her tactics_—Added -a period to the end of the sentence. - ---Pg 37: Prove it—Added a period to the end of the line. - - - - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GRAND CHAM'S DIAMOND *** - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the -United States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, -and may not be used if you charge for an eBook, except by following -the terms of the trademark license, including paying royalties for use -of the Project Gutenberg trademark. If you do not charge anything for -copies of this eBook, complying with the trademark license is very -easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose such as creation -of derivative works, reports, performances and research. Project -Gutenberg eBooks may be modified and printed and given away--you may -do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks not protected -by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the trademark -license, especially commercial redistribution. - -START: FULL LICENSE - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full -Project Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at -www.gutenberg.org/license. - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or -destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your -possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a -Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound -by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the -person or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph -1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this -agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the -Foundation" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection -of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual -works in the collection are in the public domain in the United -States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the -United States and you are located in the United States, we do not -claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, -displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as -all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope -that you will support the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting -free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm -works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the -Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the work. You can easily -comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the -same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg-tm License when -you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are -in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, -check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this -agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, -distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any -other Project Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no -representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any -country other than the United States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other -immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear -prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work -on which the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, -performed, viewed, copied or distributed: - - This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and - most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no - restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it - under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this - eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the - United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where - you are located before using this eBook. - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is -derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not -contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the -copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in -the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are -redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply -either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or -obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any -additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms -will be linked to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works -posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the -beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including -any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access -to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format -other than "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official -version posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm website -(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense -to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means -of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original "Plain -Vanilla ASCII" or other form. Any alternate format must include the -full Project Gutenberg-tm License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -provided that: - -* You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed - to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he has - agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid - within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are - legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty - payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in - Section 4, "Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg - Literary Archive Foundation." - -* You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all - copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue - all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg-tm - works. - -* You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of - any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of - receipt of the work. - -* You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work or group of works on different terms than -are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing -from the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the manager of -the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the Foundation as set -forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project -Gutenberg-tm collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may -contain "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate -or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other -intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or -other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or -cannot be read by your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium -with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you -with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in -lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person -or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second -opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If -the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing -without further opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO -OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT -LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of -damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement -violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the -agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or -limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or -unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the -remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in -accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the -production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, -including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of -the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this -or any Project Gutenberg-tm work, (b) alteration, modification, or -additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any -Defect you cause. - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of -computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It -exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations -from people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future -generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see -Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at -www.gutenberg.org - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non-profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by -U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, -Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up -to date contact information can be found at the Foundation's website -and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without -widespread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine-readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND -DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular -state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To -donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works - -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project -Gutenberg-tm concept of a library of electronic works that could be -freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and -distributed Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of -volunteer support. - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in -the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. - -Most people start at our website which has the main PG search -facility: www.gutenberg.org - -This website includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. diff --git a/old/64562-0.zip b/old/64562-0.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 3bb1b72..0000000 --- a/old/64562-0.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/64562-h.zip b/old/64562-h.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index cf6df3f..0000000 --- a/old/64562-h.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/64562-h/64562-h.htm b/old/64562-h/64562-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index 2c46044..0000000 --- a/old/64562-h/64562-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,4524 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.1//EN" - "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml11/DTD/xhtml11.dtd"> -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en"> -<head> -<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /> -<meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> -<title>The Grand Cham's Diamond, by Allan Monkhouse—A Project Gutenberg eBook</title> -<meta name="author" content="Monkhouse, Allan, 1858-1936" /> -<link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.png" /> -<meta name="keywords" content="English drama--20th century" /> -<meta name="keywords" content="Comedies" /> -<style type="text/css"> -body { - font-family:serif; - margin-left: 15%; - margin-right: 15%; - color: black; - background-color: white; - } -p { - text-align: justify; - padding-left: 0; - text-indent: 0; - margin-left: 0; - margin-top: 0; - line-height: 120%; - margin-bottom: 0; - padding-bottom: 0 - } -p.hang { - padding-left: 0em; - text-indent: -2em; - margin-left: 2em - } -h3 { - text-align: center; - font-weight: normal - } -.pagenum { - position: absolute; - left: 95%; - font-size:0.7em; - text-align: right; - font-style: normal; - display: inline; - } -div.rights { - padding-top: 3em - } -div.printer { - padding-top: 4em - } - -p.rights { - padding-top: 0.6em; - font-size: 0.85em; - text-indent:1.25em; - padding-left: 0; - margin-left: 0; - font-style: italic; - } -p.series { - padding-top:0.75em; - text-indent: 0; - font-size: 0.85em; - margin-left: 0; - padding-left: 0; - text-align: center; - font-style: italic; - } -p.half_title { - padding-top:4em; - text-indent: 0; - padding-left: 0; - margin-left: 0; - text-align: center; - font-size: 1.15em; - } -h1.title { - padding-top: 1em; - text-indent: 0em; - padding-left: 0; - margin-left: 0; - text-align: center; - font-size:175%; - margin-top: 0em; - margin-bottom: 0em; - font-weight: normal; - } -p.subtitle { - padding-top: 1.25em; - padding-left: 0; - text-indent: 0; - margin-left: 0; - text-align: center; - font-size:85%; - margin-top: 0em; - margin-bottom: 0em; - } -p.by { - padding-top: 5em; - padding-left: 0; - text-indent: 0; - margin-left: 0; - text-align: center; - font-size:65%; - } -p.author { - padding-top: 0.2em; - padding-bottom: 1.75em; - text-indent: 0; - padding-left: 0; - margin-left: 0; - text-align: center; - font-size:110%; - } -p.publisher { - padding-top: 5em; - padding-left: 0; - text-indent: 0; - margin-left: 0; - font-size:90%; - text-align: center; - } -h3.cast { - padding-top: 2.5em; - font-size: 115%; - margin-bottom: 0em; - padding-bottom: 0.1em - } -p.printer { - padding-top: 2em; - font-size: 0.8em; - text-indent: 0; - padding-left: 0; - margin-left: 0; - text-align: center; - font-style: italic; - } -div.cast_container { - text-align: center; - padding-left: 20%; - padding-right:20%; - } -div.cast { - font-size:90%; - margin:auto auto; - text-indent:0%; - display: inline-block; - text-align: left; - padding-bottom: 1em - } -p.char_name { - padding-top:0.35em; - text-align: left; - margin-left: 0; - padding-left: 0; - text-indent: 0; - } - -/*CSS for program*/ -.smallishfont { - font-size: 0.88em - } -table { - padding-top:0em; - margin-top: 0; - margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto; - padding-left: 10%; - padding-right: 10%; - margin-bottom:0em; - border: none - } -td.tdl_role { - padding-right: 0.75em; - padding-left: 1em; - text-indent: -1em; - padding-bottom: 0.4em; - text-align: left; - vertical-align: top; - font-size: 90% - } -/* left align cell for character names */ -td.tdc { - text-align: center; - padding-right: 0.25em; - padding-left: 0.25em; - padding-bottom: 0.4em; - vertical-align: top; - font-size: 90% - } -td.tdl_act { - padding-left: 2em; - text-indent: -1em; - padding-bottom: 0.4em; - text-align: left; - vertical-align: top; - font-size: 90% - } -/* left align cell for actor names */ - -h3.title { - padding-top:3.5em; - font-size: 120%; - padding-bottom: 0.7em; - margin-bottom: 0em - } -p.char_title { - page-break-after: avoid; - padding-top:1em; - padding-bottom: 0em; - padding-left: 0; - text-indent: 0; - margin-left: 0; - text-align: center; - font-size: 88%; - } -p.direction { - margin-left: 4em; - padding-left: 0; - text-indent: -1em; - margin-top: 0; - padding-top: 0; - } -p.curtain { - padding-top:2em; - padding-bottom: 0; - padding-left: 0; - text-indent: 0; - margin-left: 0; - text-align: center; - font-weight: 500; - font-size: 0.75em - } - -small { - font-size: 0.78em - } -.center { - text-indent: 0; - padding-left: 0; - margin-left: 0; - text-align: center; - } -.italics { - font-style: italic; - } -.pad_top_half_em { - padding-top:0.5em - } -span.lftspc { - margin-left: 0.07em - } -div.tnote { - padding-bottom:0.5em; - padding-top:0.25em; - padding-left:0.5em; - padding-right:0.5em; - margin-right: 1.5em; - margin-left: 1.5em; - margin-top: 2em; - font-size: 88%; - background: #eeeeee; - border: solid 0.1em - } -h3.tnote { - font-style:italic; - font-size: 110%; - font-weight: bold; - padding-top:0em; - padding-bottom:0.75em; - line-height:100%; - margin-bottom:0em - } -p.tnote { - padding-left: 0; - padding-top: 0.4em; - text-indent:1.25em; - margin-left: 0; - } -a { - text-decoration: none; - } -ul { - margin-top: 0.5em - } -li { - margin-bottom: 0.5em; - } -p.link { - padding-left: 0; - text-indent: 0em; - text-align: center; - padding-top: 0.4em; - line-height: 100%; - padding-bottom: 0.4em - } -</style> -</head> -<body> - -<div style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Grand Cham's Diamond, by Allan Monkhouse</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online -at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> - -<table style='min-width:0; padding:0; margin-left:0; border-collapse:collapse'> - <tr><td>Title:</td><td>The Grand Cham's Diamond</td></tr> - <tr><td></td><td>A Play in One Act</td></tr> -</table> - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Allan Monkhouse</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: February 14, 2021 [eBook #64562]</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Character set encoding: UTF-8</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Produced by: Paul Haxo with special thanks to Google and the Bodleian Libraries.</div> - -<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GRAND CHAM'S DIAMOND ***</div> -<div class="image"> -<p class="center"> -<img src="images/cover.png" alt="Cover" width="311" height="500" title="" /> -</p> -</div> - -<div class="chapter" id="Half-title"> -<p class="series"> -REPERTORY PLAYS, No. 44 -</p> -<p class="half_title"> -THE GRAND CHAM’S DIAMOND -</p> -</div> - -<div class="chapter rights" id="Rights"> -<p class="rights"> -Entered at the Library of Congress, Washington, U.S.A. -</p> -<p class="rights"> -The performing rights of this play are fully protected. -</p> -<p class="rights"> -All applications for permission to perform “The Grand Cham’s Diamond” in -the British Empire (except Canada) must be addressed to Mr Allan -Monkhouse, Meadow Bank, Disley, Cheshire. For permission to perform in -America and Canada, to The Baker International Play Bureau, 41 Winter -Street, Boston, Mass. -</p> -<p class="rights"> -The fee for each and every representation of the play by amateurs in the -British Empire (except Canada) is one guinea; in America and Canada, -five dollars. These sums are payable in advance, and no performance may -take place unless a written permission has first been obtained. -</p> -<p class="rights"> -The terms for performance by professionals can be ascertained on -application. -</p> -</div> - -<div class="chapter" id="Title-page"> -<h1 class="title"> -THE GRAND CHAM’S<br /> -DIAMOND -</h1> -<p class="subtitle"> -A PLAY IN ONE ACT -</p> -<p class="by"> -BY -</p> -<p class="author"> -ALLAN MONKHOUSE -</p> -<p class="publisher"> -GOWANS & GRAY, L<small>TD</small>., L<small>ONDON</small> <small>AND</small> G<small>LASGOW</small><br /> -<small>THE BAKER INTERNATIONAL PLAY BUREAU</small><br /> -<small>B<small>OSTON</small>, U.S.A. 1924</small> -</p> -</div> - -<div class="chapter printer" id="Printer"> -<p class="printer"> -Printed in Great Britain<br /> -by Turnbull & Spears, Edinburgh -</p> -</div> - -<div class="chapter" id="Cast"> -<h3 class="cast">CHARACTERS</h3> - -<div class="cast_container"> -<div class="cast"> -<p class="char_name"> -M<small>RS</small> P<small>ERKINS</small> -</p> -<p class="char_name"> -M<small>R</small> P<small>ERKINS</small> -</p> -<p class="char_name"> -M<small>ISS</small> P<small>ERKINS</small> -</p> -<p class="char_name"> -A M<small>AN</small> <small>IN</small> B<small>LACK</small> -</p> -<p class="char_name"> -A<small>LBERT</small> W<small>ATKINS</small> -</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class="smallishfont hang"> -<i>This play was first produced at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre on -September 21, 1918, by Mr John Drinkwater, with the following cast:</i> -</p> - -<table class="pad_top_half_em" border="0" cellpadding="0" -cellspacing="0" summary="cast"> -<tbody> -<tr> -<td class="tdl_role italics">Mrs Perkins</td> - -<td class="tdc">.</td> - -<td class="tdl_act">C<small>ATHLEEN</small> O<small>RFORD</small></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdl_role italics">Mr Perkins</td> - -<td class="tdc">.</td> - -<td class="tdl_act">R<small>EGINALD</small> G<small>ATTY</small></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdl_role italics">Miss Perkins</td> - -<td class="tdc">.</td> - -<td class="tdl_act">S<small>IDNEY</small> L<small>EON</small></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdl_role italics">A Man in Black</td> - -<td class="tdc">.</td> - -<td class="tdl_act">N<small>OEL</small> S<small>HAMMON</small></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td class="tdl_role italics">Albert Watkins</td> - -<td class="tdc">.</td> - -<td class="tdl_act">J. A<small>DRIAN</small> B<small>YRNE</small></td> -</tr> -</tbody> -</table> -</div> - -<div class="chapter" id="Text"> -<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-7">[Pg 7]</a></span></p> - -<h3 class="title"> -THE GRAND CHAM’S DIAMOND -</h3> - -<p class="hang"> -S<small>CENE</small>: <i>A sitting-room in a small house in a London suburb. The window -is in the wall to the left of the spectator and the door in the right -half of the back wall. The furniture is ordinary. On the chimneypiece, -to the right of the spectator, is a clock. The room is lit by electric -light. It is some time after the evening meal. Mr Perkins is reading a -newspaper. Mrs Perkins is darning a sock, and Miss Perkins is engaged -upon a jigsaw puzzle.</i> -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -What I mean t’ say is that it’s not much fun for us. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -All right, Ma. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -(<i>Engaged on her puzzle.</i>) Bother! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -It makes a long evenin’ of it. Same every night. We ’ave our tea and -then we just set down till it’s time to go to bed. It’s not fair. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Same for all of us. -</p> -<p class="hang"> -<span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-8">[Pg 8]</a></span></p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -That it’s not. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Why isn’t it? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Do y’ or do y’ not go out o’ this ’ouse every mornin’ and spend the day -out? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -It’d be a poor job for you if I didn’t. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -I don’t say anythin’ about that. I don’t interfere. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -’Ow could y’ interfere? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Bother! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Don’t interrup’ like that when me and your pa’s talkin’, Polly. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -My name isn’t Polly. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -What is it? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -It’s Marie. -</p> - -<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-9">[Pg 9]</a></span></p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Well, I’m blowed! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -An’ why shouldn’t she ’ave a bit of a change? She’s tired of bein’ -Polly. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -I do think we might have a little more change. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Don’t you start. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -We might have gone out to the pictures to-night, as Mother said. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Your young man might ’ave come and found you out. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -You know he’s engaged in the evenings. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Yes, and what at? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Never mind! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -I do think, Polly, that he ought to be a bit more open with you. What -<i>does</i> he do? -</p> - -<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-10">[Pg 10]</a></span></p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Ay; what does Albert Watkins do? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Never you mind! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -’E’s never told ’er. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -I ’ope it’s nothin’ to be ashamed of. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -P’raps I know more than you think. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -’As ’e said? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -It’s confidential. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Oh! I know that tale. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Well, Polly’s got ’er young man and you’ve got your business an’ out all -day seein’ people. What ’ave I got? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Well, what should y’ ’ave? What does any woman ’ave? I dunno what you’re -botherin’ about. Y’ ’ad a week at Margate this year. -</p> - -<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-11">[Pg 11]</a></span></p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -(<i>Derisively</i>.) ’Ome from ’ome! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -A good woman ought to like ’er ’ome. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -I never said I didn’t like it. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Well—— -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -’Ome’s a place to come back to. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Mother’s romantic. That’s what she is. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -What <i>is</i> that, Polly? It’s a word I never rightly—— -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Romantic! At ’er age! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -You know what it is, do y’? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -It’s penny dreadfuls and the pictures and gassin’ about love and the -deep blue sea. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Well, y’ might do worse. -</p> - -<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-12">[Pg 12]</a></span></p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Whatever’s come over ’er? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -I’ve always thought I should like to travel. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -(<i>At her puzzle.</i>) I think there’s a bit missing. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Eh? A bit missin’? That’s the way with me; there’s always bin a bit -missin’. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -I dunno why y’re startin’ like this now. Y’ve ’ad all these years to -settle down in. What’s come over yer? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Eh! Don’t ask me. I think ’er Albert’s comin’ about ’as unsettled me. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Albert! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Well, I see ’im an’ you and I think what might ’a’ been. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -What’s that? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Well, I was young onct. -</p> - -<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-13">[Pg 13]</a></span></p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -But y’re not now. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -You’ve no call to throw it in m’ teeth. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Teeth indeed! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Don’t be insultin’, Mr Perkins. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -I wasn’t bein’. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Yes, y’ was. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -I don’t see why Albert should unsettle you. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -If I was you I’d want to know ’ow ’e spends ’is evenings. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -It’s no business of yours, Ma. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -It’ll be some bus’ness of mine. I think it’s about time Albert spoke to -me. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Spoke to you? -</p> - -<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-14">[Pg 14]</a></span></p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Placed ’is position an’ prospects before me. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Well, I believe he’s a confidential agent. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -A what! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -What sort of a’ agent? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -It’s confidential—or financial p’raps. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -He’s kiddin’ yer. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Do they work at night? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -I’ve always understood that Rothschilds and people like that did this -business at parties—on the quiet. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Bosh! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Oh, very well, Pa. -</p> - -<p class="direction"> -[<i>Miss Perkins settles to her puzzle. Mrs Perkins darns stolidly. Mr -Perkins returns to the paper. A short pause.</i> -</p> - -<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-15">[Pg 15]</a></span></p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Well, it’s too late for the movies now. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Ah! That’s it. -</p> - -<p class="direction"> -[<i>She finds the missing bit.</i> -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -What’s in the paper, Pa? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -There’s a Cabinet crisis. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Isn’t there anythin’ interestin’? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -’Ere’s a child stole a shillin’ an’ swallowed it t’ escape detection. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Poor thing! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -’Ere! Is this more in your line? Great Jewel Robbery! The Grand Cham’s -Diamond missing. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Eh! What’s that? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Who is the Grand Cham? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -’E’s—one o’ them Eastern potentates. ’E’s been stayin’ at the Majestic -Hotel. The dimond<span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-16">[Pg 16]</a></span> was taken out of the settin’ and a walnut substituted. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -A walnut! It must be a whopper. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Why did they substitute a walnut? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -You must substitute somethin’. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Why? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -I don’t know. They always do. The brightest treasure of the East. Not -the slightest trace. Supposed Asiatic gang. Sherlock Holmes and Father -Brown have been summoned and a telegram despatched to Mossier Lecock. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -(<i>With satisfaction.</i>) Well, that’s somethin’ like. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -What’s it worth? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Eh! I dunno. Thousands, thousands. They say it makes the Koh-i-noor take -a back seat. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Reelly? -</p> - -<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-17">[Pg 17]</a></span></p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -What ’ud you do, old lady, if I brought it ’ome for y’r birthday? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Well, I’d wear it, I s’pose. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -You’d never dare, Ma. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -I would that. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -But thieves’d always be after it. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -What ’d these thieves do with it when they’ve got it? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -I s’pose they chop it up and sell it in bits. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -What a shame! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -I dessay they’re off to South America. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Why? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -No extrydition. -</p> - -<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-18">[Pg 18]</a></span></p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -What’s that? D’ y’ mean last ’dition extra? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -No, Ma. It means that thieves can’t be turned out. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Why not? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -It’s like it used to be with slaves here. Once the South American flag’s -waved over ’em, they’re all right. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -It isn’t all one country there, Pa. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Well, I reckon they’re much of a muchness. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -An’ could you sell it there? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Yes, they’re great people for jewl’ry. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Polly, you’re doin’ nothin’. Y’ might as well be mendin’ that blind. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Oh, bother! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -It looks bad hangin’ down like that. -</p> - -<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-19">[Pg 19]</a></span></p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -(<i>Going towards the window.</i>) People’ll see in. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -There’s not many passin’ at this time o’ night. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -It makes it so public. (<i>She takes the blind from the lower part of -the window and begins to mend it.</i>) Where’s the white thread, Ma? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Here y’ are. Now, make a job of it. -</p> - -<p class="direction"> -[<i>Mr Perkins has returned to his paper, his daughter is more or less -intent on her work, Mrs Perkins darns and yawns. Mr Perkins snores -gently.</i> -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Might as well all be asleep. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Listen, Ma! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Somebody runnin’. Seem in an ’urry. -</p> - -<p class="direction"> -[<i>Something crashes through the window and falls with broken glass -upon the floor.</i> -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Good gracious! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Mercy on us! -</p> - -<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-20">[Pg 20]</a></span></p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -(<i>Waking up</i>.) Fire! Where is it? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Nonsense, Pa! It’s them boys. Out arter ’em. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -What! Where? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -No. Don’t go. Don’t leave us. It can’t be boys. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -(<i>Seeing the broken window.</i>) This is very careless, Polly. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -It wasn’t me. It’s a stone, I think. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -They’re far enough now. Where is it? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -I’m all of a tremble. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -You ought to ’ave run right out, Pa, and you might ’ave caught ’em. I -never did see such a thing. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -It’s an outrage, this is. Did y’ see anybody? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -We ’eard somebody runnin’. -</p> - -<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-21">[Pg 21]</a></span></p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -I thought I ’eard somebody passing after that. Quietly like. Runnin’ -very light. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Nonsense, Polly. Better put that blind up now. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -You put it up. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Do as I tell you. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -I don’t like. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -’Ere, ’ere. Give it me. -</p> - -<p class="direction"> -[<i>She puts it up and peers out into the street.</i> -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Come away, Ma. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Where’s the stone? -</p> - -<p class="direction"> -[<i>They all look about the floor.</i> -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Here it is. Here’s something. (<i>She picks it up.</i>) Why! it’s a lump -of glass. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Let’s look! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Let me see. -</p> - -<p class="direction"> -[<i>They crowd round.</i> -</p> - -<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-22">[Pg 22]</a></span></p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -I say! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -What is it? What is it? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Give it me, Polly. -</p> - -<p class="direction"> -[<i>She grabs it.</i> -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Hold it up to the light. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Why! What can it be? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -(<i>Relinquishing it to her husband.</i>) Nonsense! Nonsense! -</p> - -<p class="direction"> -[<i>She goes back to her chair and begins to fumble with her darning. -She is greatly agitated.</i> -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -It’s a rum thing, this is. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Eh! Isn’t it beautiful? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -It might be a—— -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Diamond? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Nonsense! -</p> - -<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-23">[Pg 23]</a></span></p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -(<i>Rushing forward.</i>) Hide it! -</p> - -<p class="direction"> -[<i>She seizes the diamond and looks about the room.</i> -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Why! What d’ y’ mean, Ma! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -It’s it. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -(<i>Feebly.</i>) What’s it? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -You know. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -What—what—what rubbish! The idea! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -(<i>Looking at it in her palm.</i>) It’s the Grand Cham’s dimond. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Then it’s dangerous. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Never mind that. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -What shall we do? -</p> - -<p class="direction"> -[<i>She begins to whimper.</i> -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Stop that, Polly. -</p> - -<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-24">[Pg 24]</a></span></p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -P’raps we’d better look out for a policeman. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -No. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -If it is it we’re not safe. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -I don’t care. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -But what d’ y’ want to do? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Here! Let’s put it inside the clock. (<i>She opens the back of the clock -and crams it in.</i>) Now! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -What are y’ up to, Ma? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -I wish you’d throw it out in the street again. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -No, no. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -But what <i>are</i> y’ up to? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -It’s come to us, this ’as. We’ll stick to it if we can. -</p> - -<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-25">[Pg 25]</a></span></p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -But—— -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Oh, Ma! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -They may not find the ’ouse again. They’re all alike in this street. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -There’s the broken window. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Let’s ’ave the bits of glass out. Then it won’t be noticed. -</p> - -<p class="direction"> -[<i>She peers out into the street. Then she begins to pluck the -fragments of broken glass from the window. She winces and licks her -finger.</i> -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -You’ve cut yourself now. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Never mind that. Polly, pick all the bits off the floor. Don’t leave a -trace. -</p> - -<p class="direction"> -[<i>She licks her finger. Polly obeys.</i> -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Now, what’s all this about? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -(<i>On the floor.</i>) I dunno what’s come over ’er. -</p> - -<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-26">[Pg 26]</a></span></p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -’Ere, Polly, look alive. ’Ave y’ got ’em all? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -All I can find. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Drat it! A bit’s fallen outside. Go out and pick it up, Pa. No; p’raps -better not. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Look here! What’s y’r game? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Give here! (<i>She takes all the fragments together and puts them under -the sofa cushion. She looks round the room, listens at the window and -returns to her darning</i>.) If anyone comes, mind we know nothin’ about -it. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -It depends ’oo comes, doesn’t it? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -No. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -It might be the police. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Never mind the police. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Why! What d’ y’ mean? What <i>do</i> y’ mean? -</p> - -<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-27">[Pg 27]</a></span></p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -It’s the chanct of a lifetime. We’ll take it. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Oh, Ma! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Look ’ere—— -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -It’s come to us. It might a’ bin the answer to a prayer. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Was it? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Not exactly, but I’ve been thinkin’ a lot. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -More likely the devil. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -There’s no such thing. Y’re talkin’ nonsense. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -No devil. Then is there God? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -There may be. ’E may ’av sent it. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -It’s awful talk, this. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Why! What could you do with it? -</p> - -<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-28">[Pg 28]</a></span></p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Chop it up and sell it. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Where? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -In South America. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Good ’eavens! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Ma, how can you? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -’Ave y’ took leave of y’r senses? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Yes, if y’ like. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Well, I’ve ’eard tell as women aren’t honest like men and now I know it. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -’Ow do I know you’re honest? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -I’ve never took a thing in my life. I’ve a record, ’aven’t I? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -I dessay. I dunno. I won’t give it up. I won’t. I won’t. So there! -</p> - -<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-29">[Pg 29]</a></span></p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -’Ow can y’ ’elp it? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -I’ve sat there darnin’ and mendin’, waitin’ and dozin’ till I’m tired. -I’ve never ’ad a go at anythin’. The chanct ’as come. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -I did think you were honest, Ma. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Honest! It’s ours. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -’Ow can it be? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -’Oo’s is it? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Why! That Grand Cham’s. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -An’ ’ow did ’e get it? ’E’s a tyrant. ’E stole it off some nigger. Now -it’s come to me. It’s mine. It’s mine as much as anyone’s. It’s come -like a miracle. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -But you can’t keep it. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Y’r ma amazes me. -</p> - -<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-30">[Pg 30]</a></span></p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -First thing in the mornin’ y’ll get a list o’ them ships sailin’ for -South America. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Oh, Ma! Ma! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -She’s off ’er chump. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -I’ll go alone if y’ like. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -It’s dangerous. It’s dangerous. There may be a revolver levelled at y’ -now. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -I don’t care. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -I never knew she was like this. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -South America? Where? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Y’ shall ’ave jewels and dresses no end, Polly. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Don’t, Ma. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -South America! Like that chap Jabez Balfour. -</p> - -<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-31">[Pg 31]</a></span></p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -He was brought back, wasn’t he? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -I object to be put along of ’im, any’ow. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -We’d manage better than that. Riches! Livin’ at ease. Motors an’ -champagne. We’ve never ’ad a chanct! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -It can’t be done. It’s all nonsense. An’ it’s ’orrible to think of. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Oh! It’s a beautiful thing. I couldn’t bear to break it up. We’ll keep -it. We’ll look at it now and then. Every Sunday. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Sunday! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -I could go on settin’ ’ere if I knew it was there all the time. I think -I could be ’appy. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -You’d never be safe. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Safe! I’ve bin too safe. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Oh, missis! Oh, missis! -</p> - -<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-32">[Pg 32]</a></span></p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -It’s strange nobody’s come. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Nobody’s comin’. It’s a gift. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -It may not be—what y’ think. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -(<i>Fiercely.</i>) It is. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Then they’ll be after us. Police—or worse. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Let ’em come. -</p> - -<p class="direction"> -[<i>There is a ring at the door-bell. They all stand tense.</i> -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Now, there. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Oh, dear! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -You’ll not say a word. You’ll do as I tell you. Mind that. We know -nothing. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -There’s the window. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Leave that to me. -</p> - -<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-33">[Pg 33]</a></span></p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Oh! But, I say—— -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Thomas Perkins, you’ll rue it to your dyin’ day if—— -</p> - -<p class="direction"> -[<i>The ring again.</i> -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Who’s goin’? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -I am. Remember! -</p> - -<p class="direction"> -[<i>She goes out.</i> -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -What are we to do, Pa? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Eh! I’m beat. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Shall we throw it out of the window? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -No, no. Best not. Humour her a bit. It may be nothin’. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -(<i>Outside.</i>) No, you don’t. ’Ere. I tell yer—— -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -STRANGER -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Excuse me. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Pa, ’ere’s a man forcin’ ’is way—— -</p> - -<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-34">[Pg 34]</a></span></p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Oh, dear! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Dash it all! I say! -</p> - -<p class="direction"> -[<i>Mrs Perkins and a dark Stranger, dressed in black, enter together. -She is resisting his advance, but he presses on ruthlessly. As he enters -she gives way and changes her tactics.</i> -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Well, I must say! Pushin’ a lady about like that! What bis’ness ’ave y’ -’ere? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -STRANGER -</p> -<p class="hang"> -I’ve told you, madam. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -A fine tale! Y’r boy an’ ’is glass marble! Where is ’e? I tell yer we -know nothin’ about it. Do we, Pa? -</p> - -<p class="direction"> -[<i>Behind the Stranger, with a terrific frown, she shakes her fist at -him.</i> -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -(<i>Feebly blustering</i>.) Now what’s all this? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Oh, Ma! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Shut up! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -STRANGER -</p> -<p class="hang"> -I’m sorry to intrude, sir, but I’ve lost something in your room. -</p> - -<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-35">[Pg 35]</a></span></p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -What nonsense! ’Ow could yer? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -STRANGER -</p> -<p class="hang"> -As I have told this lady, my little boy—— -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Where is ’e? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -STRANGER -</p> -<p class="hang"> -(<i>To Mr Perkins</i>.) His favourite glass marble. He pretended to -throw it. It slipped from his hand and, I am sorry to say, went through -your window. I apologise and shall be glad to pay. Please give me -the—marble at once. Where is it? I’ve no time to lose. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Where’s the boy? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -STRANGER -</p> -<p class="hang"> -He’s just round the corner. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -D’ y’ expect us to believe that tale? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -STRANGER -</p> -<p class="hang"> -(<i>With a flash of menace.</i>) You’d better. (<i>To Mr Perkins</i>.) -Now, sir! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -It’s a bit thick, y’ know; I mean thin. -</p> - -<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-36">[Pg 36]</a></span></p> - -<p class="char_title"> -STRANGER -</p> -<p class="hang"> -It will have to do. No trifling. Come! -</p> - -<p class="direction"> -[<i>He is looking about the room, having cursorily glanced at the floor. -He strides to the window and pulls down the blind.</i> -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -None o’ y’r liberties here. Get out! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -’Ere, y’ know! <i>(Aside to Mrs Perkins</i>.) Ma, I don’t like it. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -STRANGER -</p> -<p class="hang"> -The devil! Where’s the glass? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -What glass? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -STRANGER -</p> -<p class="hang"> -The pane’s gone. You see! I knew this was the house. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -That’s easy explained. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Oh, Ma! Tell him and—— -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Of course I’ll tell ’im. (<i>She menaces Miss Perkins surreptitiously</i>.) -It’s my daughter’s newfangled ideas of ventilation. She would ’ave it -so. It’s been that way a fortnight. No—let’s<span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-37">[Pg 37]</a></span> see—to-day’s Tuesday. -Nigh on a month. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -STRANGER -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Damnation! Where is it? Where’s the diamond? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -(<i>With a shriek of exultation.</i>) The diamond! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -STRANGER -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Yes, let me tell you then. Your lives are in danger. You’ve got the -Grand Cham’s diamond. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -’Ow did it get ’ere? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -STRANGER -</p> -<p class="hang"> -The thief was pursued. He threw it in. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -(<i>Querulously.</i>) Why did ’e throw it in ’ere? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -STRANGER -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Don’t be a fool. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -An’ ’oo are you? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -STRANGER -</p> -<p class="hang"> -I am—the Grand Cham’s representative. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Prove it. -</p> - -<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-38">[Pg 38]</a></span></p> - -<p class="char_title"> -STRANGER -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Enough of this. -</p> - -<p class="direction"> -[<i>He draws a revolver. Miss Perkins shrieks. Mr Perkins recoils and -edges away. Mrs Perkins stands firm.</i> -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Ma! Ma! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -STRANGER -</p> -<p class="hang"> -(<i>Rapping the butt of the revolver on the table.</i>) Where is it? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -I’ll tell yer. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -STRANGER -</p> -<p class="hang"> -At once. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -I’ve swallered it. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -STRANGER -</p> -<p class="hang"> -(<i>Greatly discomposed.</i>) What! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -It went down as easy as a oyster. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -STRANGER -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Swallowed it! You’re joking! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -No. I got the idea out of the evenin’ paper. Where is it, Pa? ’Ere. -“Child swallows Shillin’. Curious Case.” -</p> - -<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-39">[Pg 39]</a></span></p> - -<p class="char_title"> -STRANGER -</p> -<p class="hang"> -(<i>To the others</i>.) Is this true? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Oh, I don’t know. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Y’ see, I was asleep. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -STRANGER -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Asleep! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Wasn’t I, Mother? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -’E’d sleep through anythin’. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -STRANGER -</p> -<p class="hang"> -D’ you mean to say——? Where is it? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -I’ve just told yer. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -STRANGER -</p> -<p class="hang"> -On your oath—— -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Oath! D’ y’ doubt the word of a lady? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -STRANGER -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Then—d’ you feel it—I mean—whereabouts is it now? -</p> - -<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-40">[Pg 40]</a></span></p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -I don’t think that’s a question a gentleman ’d ask. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -STRANGER -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Kites of hell! You’ll have to be cut open. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Nay, I won’t. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -STRANGER -</p> -<p class="hang"> -(<i>To himself.</i>) Cremation? Would it melt the diamond? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -I won’t be cremated. There! Y’ ’ve to get the deceased’s consent. I’m -goin’ to be buried when my time comes. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -STRANGER -</p> -<p class="hang"> -(<i>Pacing about in agitation while Mrs Perkins controls the others by -nods and winks.</i>) What’s to be done? An emetic? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -You’d better go ’ome an’ say it’s lost. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -STRANGER -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Unhappy woman! Do you understand that your life is a trifle, a pawn in -the game? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Pawn! Yes, an’ y’ can’t get it out without the ticket. -</p> - -<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-41">[Pg 41]</a></span></p> - -<p class="char_title"> -STRANGER -</p> -<p class="hang"> -It’s impossible. It can’t be. (<i>He turns on the others.</i>) The -truth! Did she swallow it? If she did, she dies. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Oh, no, no. She didn’t. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -You silly! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Oh, Ma! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Ma, Ma, what can we do? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Y can ’old y’r tongues. Y’re no ’elp at all. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -STRANGER -</p> -<p class="hang"> -What folly this is! What can you do with it? That diamond means death to -you. Death! Destruction! You haven’t a chance of keeping it. You’re mad. -Your lives now are not worth a minute’s purchase. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Give it up, Ma. I’ll tell you where it is. It’s—— -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -(<i>In a terrible voice.</i>) Stop! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -What can you do, Ma? Chuck it! Chuck it! -</p> - -<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-42">[Pg 42]</a></span></p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -’E don’t bluff me. ’E’s in a great ’urry. I believe ’e’s the thief. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -STRANGER -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Thousand devils! We’re wasting time. (<i>He looks at the clock and then -plucks out his watch.</i>) Your clock’s slow. It’s stopped. It was that -time when I came in. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Tell him. Tell him. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Oh, chuck it! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -STRANGER -</p> -<p class="hang"> -(<i>Perceiving that he is getting “warm.”</i>) What stopped the -clock? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -(<i>Hysterically.</i>) Give it ’im. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Polly, I’m ashamed of yer. -</p> - -<p class="direction"> -[<i>A face appears at the window, but they do not see it.</i> -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -STRANGER -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Is it there? -</p> - -<p class="direction"> -[<i>He makes for the clock, and Mrs Perkins throws herself in front.</i> -</p> - -<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-43">[Pg 43]</a></span></p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -No, it’s not; and y’ shan’t meddle with my furniture. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -STRANGER -</p> -<p class="hang"> -(<i>Pointing the revolver at her</i>.) Move aside! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Move aside yerself. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -STRANGER -</p> -<p class="hang"> -(<i>He hesitates, then turns the revolver on Miss Perkins.</i>) Is it -there? Quick! -</p> - -<p class="direction"> -[<i>Miss Perkins shrieks, a hand with a revolver in it is thrust through -the empty pane, the revolver is fired, the Stranger drops his, stamps, -curses, and wrings his hands. A man opens the window-sash and springs -into the room.</i> -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Albert! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -What! It’s Albert. -</p> - -<p class="direction"> -[<i>The Stranger rushes to the switch and turns off the light. Darkness, -shouting, and confusion. The light is turned on. The furniture is -disarranged, the Stranger and the clock have gone, the others are -distributed about the room, Mrs Perkins sitting in the chair she first -occupied.</i> -</p> - -<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-44">[Pg 44]</a></span></p> - -<p class="char_title"> -ALBERT -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Who’s got it? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -He’s gone. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Oh! Albert! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -ALBERT -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Where’s the diamond? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -It was in the clock. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -ALBERT -</p> -<p class="hang"> -The clock? Where is it? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Oh! Albert! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -’E’s taken it. ’E’s got the clock. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Nay, ’e ’asn’t. -</p> - -<p class="direction"> -[<i>She produces the clock from under her petticoats.</i> -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Well, I’m blowed! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Oh, Ma! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -ALBERT -</p> -<p class="hang"> -What is it? Have you got it? -</p> - -<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-45">[Pg 45]</a></span></p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -I’ve got it right enough. -</p> - -<p class="direction"> -[<i>She carries the clock to the chimneypiece, opens it, and takes out -the diamond.</i> -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Will that gentleman come back? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -ALBERT -</p> -<p class="hang"> -No, he won’t. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -How d’ y’ know? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -ALBERT -</p> -<p class="hang"> -I know. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Polly, just put that blind back, will yer? I don’t like bein’ too -public. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Oh! I daren’t. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -ALBERT -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Now, ma’am, give it to me. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Eh? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -ALBERT -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Let’s have it. Quick. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Where d’ you come in, Albert? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -ALBERT -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Come on. This’ll be the making o’ me. -</p> - -<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-46">[Pg 46]</a></span></p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -O’ me too, I ’ope. But ’adn’t we all better be movin’? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Where to, Ma? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Out at the back door. Pack a few things in a bag. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -ALBERT -</p> -<p class="hang"> -What are y’ up to? Whad’ y’r mean? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Now, Albert, there’s no time to make explanations. We’re all in at this, -aren’t we? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -ALBERT -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Well—in a way. But look here—— -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -South America’s the place, isn’t it? D’ y’ know anythin’ o’ the -sailin’s! Or ’ad we better cross to France? Better take the midnight -train somewhere. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -ALBERT -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Has she gone dotty? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Y’re all asleep. Come on, Polly. A few things in a bag. Now, Pa. Better -put this light<span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-47">[Pg 47]</a></span> out p’raps. Is the front door shut? Look at the -time-table, Pa. -</p> - -<p class="direction"> -[<i>She is making for the door when Albert intercepts her.</i> -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -ALBERT -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Give me the diamond. I dunno what y’re talkin’ about. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Nay, I stick to this. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -ALBERT -</p> -<p class="hang"> -You can’t! What nonsense! Give it here! This job’s the making o’ me. -Let’s have it. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Nay, it’s mine an’ I’ll stick to it. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -ALBERT -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Yours! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Yes. Dimonds like this belongs to them as can get ’em. Nobody’s honest -with things like this. I got it an’ y’ shall all share. But it’s mine. -It’s mine. Eh! It’s a beauty. I’d stick to this if all the p’lice in -London was after me. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -ALBERT -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Y’d do what? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Ay, an’ Scotland Yard too. -</p> - -<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-48">[Pg 48]</a></span></p> - -<p class="char_title"> -ALBERT -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Bah! <i>I</i><span class="lftspc">’</span>m Scotland Yard. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -What! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Oh! Albert! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -ALBERT -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Didn’t y’ know? Didn’t y’ guess? Didn’t y’ understand? What did y’ take -me for? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -D’y mean to say——? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -ALBERT -</p> -<p class="hang"> -I mean t’ say it’s ’igh time I was on my way back with this dimond. The -gang’s all rounded up by this time. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -The gang? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -That feller was one of ’em, then? Where is he? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -ALBERT -</p> -<p class="hang"> -He was copped when he left ’ere. Y’ didn’t know y’r ’ouse was -surrounded. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -But ’ow did the dimond come ’ere? ’Oo threw it in? -</p> - -<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-49">[Pg 49]</a></span></p> - -<p class="char_title"> -ALBERT -</p> -<p class="hang"> -I did. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -You! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -You did! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -ALBERT -</p> -<p class="hang"> -I did that. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Why? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -ALBERT -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Becos they were after me. I was a dead man if I stuck to it then. I -threw it in ’ere to gain time and knowin’ the ’ouse. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Well, I never! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -ALBERT -</p> -<p class="hang"> -They’re a desp’rate lot. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -It’s all most unusual. Never since I’ve been an ’ouse’older ’ave I—— -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Oh, Albert! You might ’ave told me. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -ALBERT -</p> -<p class="hang"> -I ’ad my reasons. -</p> - -<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-50">[Pg 50]</a></span></p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Y’re a detective, then? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -ALBERT -</p> -<p class="hang"> -I am that. So let’s ’ave it. I tell yer I must be off. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -(<i>Holding up the diamond, but away from him.</i>) Look at it, Albert! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -ALBERT -</p> -<p class="hang"> -I see it. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Can y’ be honest? Look at it! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -ALBERT -</p> -<p class="hang"> -She’s off ’er chump. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -She doesn’t reelly mean it. I’ve borne a ’igh character all my life. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -(<i>Passionately.</i>) It’s <i>my</i> dimond. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -I’m ashamed of my ma. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -My employers ’as always put the utmost confidence in me. -</p> - -<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-51">[Pg 51]</a></span></p> - -<p class="char_title"> -ALBERT -</p> -<p class="hang"> -What’s she up to? Now ma’am, you’ll just ’and that over or—— -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Or? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -ALBERT -</p> -<p class="hang"> -(<i>He produces a whistle.</i>) I wouldn’t ’andle yer myself. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -That’s it, is it? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -ALBERT -</p> -<p class="hang"> -That’s it. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Then let it go the way it came. -</p> - -<p class="direction"> -[<i>She throws it through the window.</i> -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -’Old on. There’s another pane gone! -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -ALBERT -</p> -<p class="hang"> -O ’ell! -</p> - -<p class="direction"> -[<i>He rushes out.</i> -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -You’ll ruin us, Ma. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -(<i>Dusting one hand against the other.</i>) A good shuttance. -</p> - -<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-52">[Pg 52]</a></span></p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -(<i>At the window.</i>) Oh! I hope he’ll find it. There he is, and a -policeman’s with him. They’ve got it, I think. Yes. Albert, Albert! I -wish he’d look up. They’re seeing if it’s damaged. There! He’s waved his -hand. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -(<i>She has settled into her chair</i>.) Well, we’ve ’ad quite a busy -evenin’. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -I don’t know what Albert’ll think of you. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -’E’s not going to marry me, thank ’eaven. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -D’ y’ want t’ know what <i>I</i> think of yer? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Go on! Y’ve no ’magernation. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -I never thought to be ashamed of my own mother. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Wantin’ in the very el’ments of morality. I wonder ’ow Sossiety ’d get -on if they was all like you. -</p> - -<p class="hang"><span class="pagenum"><a class="newpage" id="page-53">[Pg 53]</a></span></p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Polly, put up that blind. It’s a bit chilly with them broken panes. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MISS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Most unladylike as well. -</p> - -<p class="direction"> -[<i>They settle down into their chairs again. Mrs Perkins takes up her -darning and Mr Perkins the paper. After putting up the blind Miss -Perkins returns to her puzzle.</i> -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -’Ow much did y’ say it was worth, Pa? -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MR PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -(<i>Gruffly.</i>) Never mind. -</p> - -<p class="char_title"> -MRS PERKINS -</p> -<p class="hang"> -Well, I ’ad my bit o’ fun for onct. -</p> - -<p class="curtain"> -CURTAIN -</p> -</div> - -<div class="chapter tnote"> -<h3 class="tnote" id="tnote">Transcriber’s Note</h3> - -<p class="tnote"> -This transcription is based on the 1924 edition published by Gowans -& Gray in London and Glasgow. Scanned images of a copy made available by -the Bodleian Library are posted by Google: -</p> -<p class="link"><a -href="https://books.google.com/books?id=B2MVAAAAQAAJ"> -books.google.com/books?id=B2MVAAAAQAAJ</a> -</p> -<p class="tnote"> -The following changes were made to the printed text: -</p> -<ul> -<li> -The formatting of stage directions following lines—that is, those -that begin with an opening square bracket—has been standardized. -</li> -<li> -Pg 34: <i>As he enters she gives way and changes her tactics</i>—Added -a period to the end of the sentence. -</li> -<li> -Pg 37: Prove it—Added a period to the end of the line. -</li> -</ul> -</div> -<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GRAND CHAM'S DIAMOND ***</div> -<div style='text-align:left'> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will -be renamed. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg™ electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG™ -concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, -and may not be used if you charge for an eBook, except by following -the terms of the trademark license, including paying royalties for use -of the Project Gutenberg trademark. If you do not charge anything for -copies of this eBook, complying with the trademark license is very -easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose such as creation -of derivative works, reports, performances and research. Project -Gutenberg eBooks may be modified and printed and given away--you may -do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks not protected -by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the trademark -license, especially commercial redistribution. -</div> - -<div style='margin:0.83em 0; font-size:1.1em; text-align:center'>START: FULL LICENSE<br /> -<span style='font-size:smaller'>THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE<br /> -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK</span> -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -To protect the Project Gutenberg™ mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase “Project -Gutenberg”), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full -Project Gutenberg™ License available with this file or online at -www.gutenberg.org/license. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; font-size:1.1em; margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg™ electronic works -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg™ -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or -destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works in your -possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a -Project Gutenberg™ electronic work and you do not agree to be bound -by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person -or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.B. “Project Gutenberg” is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg™ electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg™ electronic works if you follow the terms of this -agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg™ -electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation (“the -Foundation” or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection -of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works. Nearly all the individual -works in the collection are in the public domain in the United -States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the -United States and you are located in the United States, we do not -claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, -displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as -all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope -that you will support the Project Gutenberg™ mission of promoting -free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg™ -works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the -Project Gutenberg™ name associated with the work. You can easily -comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the -same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg™ License when -you share it without charge with others. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are -in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, -check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this -agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, -distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any -other Project Gutenberg™ work. The Foundation makes no -representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any -country other than the United States. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other -immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg™ License must appear -prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg™ work (any work -on which the phrase “Project Gutenberg” appears, or with which the -phrase “Project Gutenberg” is associated) is accessed, displayed, -performed, viewed, copied or distributed: -</div> - -<blockquote> - <div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> - This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most - other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions - whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms - of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online - at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you - are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws - of the country where you are located before using this eBook. - </div> -</blockquote> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg™ electronic work is -derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not -contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the -copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in -the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are -redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase “Project -Gutenberg” associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply -either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or -obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg™ -trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg™ electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any -additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms -will be linked to the Project Gutenberg™ License for all works -posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the -beginning of this work. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg™ -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg™. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg™ License. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including -any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access -to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg™ work in a format -other than “Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other format used in the official -version posted on the official Project Gutenberg™ website -(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense -to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means -of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original “Plain -Vanilla ASCII” or other form. Any alternate format must include the -full Project Gutenberg™ License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg™ works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg™ electronic works -provided that: -</div> - -<div style='margin-left:0.7em;'> - <div style='text-indent:-0.7em'> - • You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg™ works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed - to the owner of the Project Gutenberg™ trademark, but he has - agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid - within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are - legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty - payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in - Section 4, “Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg - Literary Archive Foundation.” - </div> - - <div style='text-indent:-0.7em'> - • You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg™ - License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all - copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue - all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg™ - works. - </div> - - <div style='text-indent:-0.7em'> - • You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of - any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of - receipt of the work. - </div> - - <div style='text-indent:-0.7em'> - • You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg™ works. - </div> -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project -Gutenberg™ electronic work or group of works on different terms than -are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing -from the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the manager of -the Project Gutenberg™ trademark. Contact the Foundation as set -forth in Section 3 below. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project -Gutenberg™ collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg™ -electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may -contain “Defects,” such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate -or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other -intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or -other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or -cannot be read by your equipment. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the “Right -of Replacement or Refund” described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg™ trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg™ electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium -with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you -with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in -lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person -or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second -opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If -the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing -without further opportunities to fix the problem. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you ‘AS-IS’, WITH NO -OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT -LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of -damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement -violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the -agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or -limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or -unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the -remaining provisions. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works in -accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the -production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg™ -electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, -including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of -the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this -or any Project Gutenberg™ work, (b) alteration, modification, or -additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg™ work, and (c) any -Defect you cause. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; font-size:1.1em; margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg™ -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Project Gutenberg™ is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of -computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It -exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations -from people in all walks of life. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg™’s -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg™ collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg™ and future -generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see -Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; font-size:1.1em; margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non-profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation’s EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by -U.S. federal laws and your state’s laws. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -The Foundation’s business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, -Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up -to date contact information can be found at the Foundation’s website -and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact -</div> - -<div style='display:block; font-size:1.1em; margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Project Gutenberg™ depends upon and cannot survive without widespread -public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine-readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND -DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular state -visit <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/donate/">www.gutenberg.org/donate</a>. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Please check the Project Gutenberg web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To -donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate -</div> - -<div style='display:block; font-size:1.1em; margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg™ electronic works -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project -Gutenberg™ concept of a library of electronic works that could be -freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and -distributed Project Gutenberg™ eBooks with only a loose network of -volunteer support. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Project Gutenberg™ eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in -the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Most people start at our website which has the main PG search -facility: <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -This website includes information about Project Gutenberg™, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. -</div> - -</div> - -</body> -</html> diff --git a/old/64562-h/images/cover.png b/old/64562-h/images/cover.png Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 6ef1e2b..0000000 --- a/old/64562-h/images/cover.png +++ /dev/null |
