Part 11 (2/2)

McNaughten No--on my oath. You've loaned to someone else, not me.

Squire Perhaps, you don't recall, that before going to Germany, you needed money for the campaign--not having enough money to buy a mule, let alone a horse--

McNaughten I don't recall a word of all this. I've never been to Germany.

Squire That's where you said you were going. You came to me for help, and I opened my purse for you, without any uncalled for remarks.

McNaughten To me? I'd have to be crazy to borrow money from a Scotsman, or Irishman, or whatever you are.

Squire (icily) Sir, I am Welsh. This man here can bear witness; he was with you--I recall his face. Come here, boy. Speak! Do you dare deny what his evil heart tries in vain to forget?

Spruce (terrified) Sir--

Squire Speak, or my hand, possessed by fury, will--

Spruce It comes to me in a confused way--

Squire A confused way. Well, I am certain of it. I see you are no better than your master. Though I blame you less--perhaps you fear your place or a beating.

(To McNaughten) Now, sir, give me my money, or take your sword.

McNaughten What! Because I refuse to give you a hundred pounds, you compel me to fight!

Squire A little. Breaking an oath puts me in temper. Quickly--defend yourself.

McNaughten I am in no great rush. Let's discuss it further.

Squire No discussion. Your choice is clear.

McNaughten But, sir--

Squire But, sir-- You must give me satisfaction

McNaughten Me, give you, satisfaction? But, I swear, I don't owe you a penny. Sue me--I will respond in court.

Squire You know, very well, I did not even ask for a receipt! When someone owes me--I carry my own bailiff. (drawing his sword)

McNaughten Just Heaven--the brute! How am I to get out of this, without being maimed or killed? How much do you insist I owe you?

Squire A hundred pounds. How easily you forget.

McNaughten But, I can't pay you a hundred pounds. I will give you half.

Squire May I be pulverized to atoms, you will pay me my hundred pounds, in a quarter of an hour or I will kill you instantly.

Spruce (low to McNaughten The villain is prepared to kill us both, I believe. Give it to him--if you're dead, what good will the sixty thousand pounds do you? Answer him softly. The man is desperate and has nothing to lose.

McNaughten But, it's robbery.

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