Part 18 (1/2)

_Bill._ When did it happen?

_Policeman._ In the night.

_Bill._ And where's Schmidt?

_Policeman._ He's in jail.

_Bill._ In jail?

_Policeman._ Sure, the firemen smelled kerosene.

_Bill._ Holy smoke! The poor old Dutchie! He set fire to his place!

_Policeman._ That's what they say. I wasn't here.

_Bill._ Well, I'll be switched! If I'd been here I might a' got some charlotte russes!

_Policeman._ With kerosene on them, belike! _(Starts Right.)_

_Bill._ Say, mister! Youse know that guy that was waiter here?

_Policeman._ Yes.

_Bill._ They didn't jug him, did they?

_Policeman._ No. He's lookin' for his week's wages! _(Laughs; exit Right.)_

_Bill._ Holy smoke! _(A murmur is heard from the child on cot Right.

The Play-play begins to fade. Faint light on the Real-play.)_

_Peggy (rises and goes over to cot; then returns to Will)._ He seems to be more restless. Oh, I hope he's not going to be sick!

_Will (In agitation)._ Don't let's get to thinking about that now!

_Peggy._ All right, dear.

_Will._ We're coming to the big scenes. I want to show the tenement where Belle and Dolly live. _(The Play-play begins to appear.)_ There's a room adjoining, where Jack stays. It's a few days after the fire. Belle has gone out to get something for supper. Meantime the land-lady comes. I used our landlady.

_Peggy._ That ought to make a lively scene!

_Will._ We're ent.i.tled to a little vengeance, I think imagine her--with her ostrich feathers and her greasy old blue dress, her sharp red nose and her fighting voice. I've got our landlady, you bet!

_Peggy._ Give it here. _(Full light on the Play-play. Peggy makes secret exit. Repeated knocks at the door of Play-play Left.)_

_Landlady (opens door)._ Now, where's them people? _(Looks about suspiciously.)_ Haven't skipped, I hope! _(Goes to room Right.)_ Anybody in here? Humph! Looks like they're hard up! A b.u.m lot!

_(Belle appears Left with shawl over shoulders and a loaf of bread in her hand.)_ Oh! Here you are! I want that rent.

_Belle._ Why do you come for it to-night? _(She stands in doorway, as if afraid of the woman.)_

_Landlady._ Ain' it been due two weeks?