Part 29 (1/2)

(_Heartily._) I can only tell you that what you did was wonderful.

Your telephone last night was a great relief. Where are they?

{Hubbard}

(_Drawing package of doc.u.ments from inside breast pocket and handing them over._) There they are--the complete set. I was fortunate.

{Starkweather}

(_Opening package and glancing at a number of the doc.u.ments while he talks._) You are modest, Mr. Hubbard.--It required more--than fortune.--It required ability--of no mean order.--The time was short.--You had to think--and act--with too great immediacy to be merely fortunate.

(_Hubbard bows, while Starkweather rearranges package._)

There is no need for me to tell you how I appreciate your service. I have increased my subscription to _Cartwright's_ to fifty thousand, and I shall speak to Dobleman, who will remit to you a more substantial acknowledgment than my mere thanks for the inestimable service you have rendered.

(_Hubbard bows._)

You--ah--you have read the doc.u.ments?

{Hubbard}

I glanced through them. They were indeed serious. But we have spiked Knox's guns. Without them, that speech of his this afternoon becomes a farce--a howling farce. Be sure you take good care of them.

(_Indicating doc.u.ments, which Starkweather still holds._) Gherst has a long arm.

{Starkweather}

He cannot reach me here. Besides, I go to New York to-day, and I shall carry them with me. Mr. Hubbard, you will forgive me--

(_Starting to pack dispatch box with papers and letters lying on desk._) I am very busy.

{Hubbard}

(_Taking the hint._) Yes, I understand. I shall be going now. I have to be at the Club in five minutes.

{Starkweather}

(_In course of packing dispatch box, he sets certain packets of papers and several medium-sized account books to one side in an orderly pile. He talks while he packs, and Hubbard waits._) I should like to talk with you some more--in New York. Next time you are in town be sure to see me. I am thinking of buying the _Parthenon Magazine_, and of changing its policy. I should like to have you negotiate this, and there are other important things as well. Good day, Mr. Hubbard. I shall see you in New York--soon.

(_Hubbard and Starkweather shake hands._)

(_Hubbard starts to make exit to right rear._)

(_Margaret enters from right rear._)

(_Starkweather goes on packing dispatch box through following scene._)

{Hubbard}

Mrs. Chalmers.