DRINKWATER（frantic）。Thet’llbrikemawawt，wown’titnah？（Withalamentablesob，hethrowshimselfdownonthedivan，raginglikeanangrychild。）
LADYCICELY（aftercontemplatinghiminastonishmentforamoment）。CaptainBrassbound：arethereanycharwomenintheAtlasMountains？
BRASSB0UND。Therearepeopleherewhowillworkifyoupaythem，asthereareelsewhere。
LADYCICELY。Thiscastleisveryromantic，Captain；butithasn’thadaspringcleaningsincetheProphetlivedinit。There’sonlyoneroomIcanputthatwoundedmaninto。It’stheonlyonethathasabedinit：thesecondroomontherightoutofthatpassage。
BRASSBOUND（haughtily）。Thatismyroom，madam。
LADYCICELY（relieved）。Oh，that’sallright。ItwouldhavebeensoawkwardifIhadhadtoaskoneofyourmentoturnout。Youwon’tmind，Iknow。（Allthemenstareather。EvenDrinkwaterforgetshissorrowsinhisstupefaction。）
BRASSBOUND。Pray，madam，haveyoumadeanyarrangementsformyaccommodation？
LADYCICELY（reassuringly）。Yes：youcanhavemyroominsteadwhereveritmaybe：I’msureyouchosemeaniceone。Imustbenearmypatient；andIdon’tmindroughingit。NowImusthaveMarzomovedverycarefully。WhereisthattrulygentlemanlyMr。
Johnson？——oh，thereyouare，Mr。Johnson。（SherunstoJohnson，pastBrassbound，whohastostepbackhastilyoutofherwaywitheveryexpressionfrozenoutofhisfaceexceptoneofextremeandindignantdumbfoundedness）。WillyouaskyourstrongfriendtohelpyouwithMarzo：strongpeoplearealwayssogentle。
JOHNSON。LetmeintrodooceMr。Redbrook。Yourladyshipmayknowhisfather，theveryRev。DeanRedbrook。（HegoestoMarzo。）
REDBROOK。Happytoobligeyou，LadyCicely。
LADYCICELY（shakinghands）。Howdyedo？OfcourseIknewyourfather——Dunham，wasn’tit？Wereyouevercalled——
REDBROOK。Thekid？Yes。
LADYCICELY。Butwhy——
REDBROOK（anticipatingtherestofthequestion）。Cardsanddrink，LadySis。（HefollowsJohnsontothepatient。LadyCicelygoestoo。）Now，CountMarzo。（MarzogroansasJohnsonandRedbrookraisehim。）
LADYCICELY。Nowthey’reNOThurtingyou，Marzo。Theycouldn’tbemoregentle。
MARZO。Drink。
LADYCICELY。I’llgetyousomewatermyself。YourfriendMr。
Drinkwaterwastooovercome——takecareofthecorner——that’sit——
theseconddoorontheright。（ShegoesoutwithMarzoandhisbearersthroughthelittledoor。）
BRASSBOUND（stillstaring）。Well，IAMdamned!——
DRINKWATER（gettingup）。Weoll，blimey!
BRASSBOUND（turningirritablyonhim）。Whatdidyousay？
DRINKWATER。Weoll，wotdidyersyyrseolf，kepn？Fusttawmawyeverseey’afrideofennybody。（Theotherslaugh。）
BRASSBOUND。Afraid!
DRINKWATER（maliciously）。She’stooky’bedfromhanderyrforabloominpennyhawcemen。Ify’yntafride，let’seahyerspeakaptoerwenshecamsbawckagin。
BRASSBOUND（toSirHoward）。Iwishyoutounderstand，SirHoward，thatinthiscastle，itisIwhogiveorders，andnooneelse。
WillyoubegoodenoughtoletLadyCicelyWaynfleteknowthat。
SIRHOWARD（sittinguponthedivanandpullinghimselftogether）。YouwillhaveampleopportunityforspeakingtoLadyCicelyyourselfwhenshereturns。（Drinkwaterchuckles：andtherestgrin。）
BRASSBOUND。Mymannersarerough，SirHoward。Ihavenowishtofrightenthelady。
SIRHOWARD。CaptainBrassbound：ifyoucanfrightenLadyCicely，youwillconferagreatobligationonherfamily。Ifshehadanysenseofdanger，perhapsshewouldkeepoutofit。
BRASSBOUND。Well，sir，ifsheweretenLadyCicelys，shemustconsultmewhilesheishere。
DRINKWATER。Thet’srawt，kepn。Let’seahyousteblishyrhawthority。（Brassboundturnsimpatientlyonhim：Heretreatsremonstrating）Nah，nah，nah!
SIRHOWARD。Ifyoufeelatallnervous，CaptainBrassbound，I
willmentionthematterwithpleasure。
BRASSBOUND。Nervous，sir!no。Nervousnessisnotinmyline。YouwillfindmeperfectlycapableofsayingwhatIwanttosay——withconsiderableemphasis，ifnecessary。（SirHowardassentswithapolitebutincredulousnod。）
DRINKWATER。Eah，eah!
LadyCicelyreturnswithJohnsonandRedbrook。Shecarriesajar。
LADYCICELY（stoppingbetweenthedoorandthearch）。Nowforthewater。Whereisit？
REDBROOK。There’sawellinthecourtyard。I’llcomeandworkthebucket。
LADYCICELY。Sogoodofyou，Mr。Redbrook。（Shemakesforthehorseshoearch，followedbyRedbrook。）
DRINKWATER。Nah，KepnBrassbound：yougotsathinktosytothelidy，yntyr？
LADYCICELY（stopping）。I’llcomebacktohearitpresently，Captain。Andoh，whileIrememberit（comingforwardbetweenBrassboundandDrinkwater），dopleasetellmeCaptain，ifI
interferewithyourarrangementsinanyway。ItIdisturbyoutheleastbitintheworld，stopmeatonce。Youhavealltheresponsibility；andyourcomfortandyourauthoritymustbethefirstthing。You’lltellme，won’tyou？
BRASSBOUND（awkwardly，quitebeaten）。Praydoasyouplease，madam。
LADYCICELY。Thankyou。That’ssolikeyou，Captain。Thankyou。
Now，Mr。Redbrook!Showmethewaytothewell。（ShefollowsRedbrookoutthroughthearch。）
DRINKWATER。Yah!Yah!Shime!Beatbawawoman!
JOHNSON（comingforwardonBrassbound’sright）。What’swrongnow？
DRINKWATER（withanairofdisappointmentanddisillusion）。
Down’tawskme，MisteJornsn。Thekepn’snaowclawssarterall。
BRASSBOUND（alittleshamefacedly）。Whathasshebeenfixingupinthere，Johnson？
JOHNSON。Well：Marzo’sinyourbed。LadywantstomakeakitchenoftheSheikh’saudiencechamber，andtoputmeandtheKidhandyinhisbedroomincaseMarzogetserysipelasandbreaksoutviolent。FromwhatIcanmakeout，shemeanstomakeherselfmatronofthisinstitution。Isposeit’sallright，isn’tit？
DRINKWATER。Yuss，anhorderhuzabahtasifwewaskebtahts!Anthekepnafridetotalkbawckater!
LadyCicelyreturnswithRedbrook。Shecarriesthejarfullofwater。
LADYCICELY（puttingdownthejar，andcomingbetweenBrassboundandDrinkwaterasbefore）。Andnow，Captain，beforeIgotopoorMarzo，whathaveyoutosaytome？
BRASSBOUND。I!Nothing。
DRINKWATER。Down’tfankit，gavner。Beamen!
LADYCICELY（lookingatDrinkwater，puzzled）。Mr。Drinkwatersaidyouhad。
BRASSBOUND（recoveringhimself）。Itwasonlythis。Thatfellowthere（pointingtoDrinkwater）issubjecttofitsofinsolence。
Ifheisimpertinenttoyourladyship，ordisobedient，youhavemyauthoritytoorderhimasmanykicksasyouthinkgoodforhim；andIwillseethathegetsthem。
DRINKWATER（liftinguphisvoiceinprotest）。Nah，nah——
LADYCICELY。Oh，Icouldn’tthinkofsuchathing，CaptainBrassbound。IamsureitwouldhurtMr。Drinkwater。
DRINKWATER（lachrymosely）。Lidy’shinkyp’bleosichbawbroususage。
LADYCICELY。Butthere’sonethingISHOULDlike，ifMr。
Drinkwaterwon’tmindmymentioningit。It’ssoimportantifhe’stoattendonMarzo。
BRASSBOUND。Whatisthat？
LADYCICELY。Well——youWON’Tmind，Mr。Drinkwater，willyou？
DRINKWATER（suspiciously）。Wotisit？
LADYCICELY。Therewouldbesomuchlessdangeroferysipelasifyouwouldbesogoodastotakeabath。
DRINKWATER（aghast）。Abawth!
BRASSBOUND（intonesofcommand）。Standby，allhands。（Theystandby。）Takethatmanandwashhim。（Witharoaroflaughtertheyseizehim。）
DRINKWATER（inanagonyofprotest）。Naow，naow。Lookeah——
BRASSBOUND（ruthlessly）。InCOLDwater。
DRINKWATER（shrieking）。Na—a—a—a—ow。Aweawn’t，awtoelyer。
Naow。Awsy，lookeah。Naow，naow，naow，naow，naow，NAOW!!!
Heisdraggedawaythroughthearchinawhirlwindoflaughter，protestsandtears。
LADYCICELY。I’mafraidheisn’tusedtoit，poorfellow；butREALLYitwilldohimgood，CaptainBrassbound。NowImustbeofftomypatient。（Shetakesupherjarandgoesoutbythelittledoor，leavingBrassboundandSirHowardalonetogether。）
SIRHOWARD（rising）。Andnow，CaptainBrass——
BRASSBOUND（cuttinghimshortwithafiercecontemptthatastonisheshim）。Iwillattendtoyoupresently。（Calling）
Johnson。SendmeJohnsonthere。AndOsman。（Hepullsoffhiscoatandthrowsitonthetable，standingathiseaseinhisbluejersey。）
SIRHOWARD（afteramomentaryflushofanger，withacontrolledforcethatcompelsBrassbound’sattentioninspiteofhimself）。
Youseemtobeinastrongpositionwithreferencetothesemenofyours。
BRASSBOUND。Iaminastrongpositionwithreferencetoeveryoneinthiscastle。
SIRHOWARD（politelybutthreateningly）。Ihavejustbeennoticingthatyouthinkso。Idonotagreewithyou。HerMajesty’sGovernment，CaptainBrassbound，hasastrongarmandalongarm。Ifanythingdisagreeablehappenstomeortomysister—in—law，thatarmwillbestretchedout。Ifthathappensyouwillnotbeinastrongposition。Excusemyremindingyouofit。
BRASSBOUND（grimly）。Muchgoodmayitdoyou!（Johnsoncomesinthroughthearch。）WhereisOsman，theSheikh’smessenger？Iwanthimtoo。
JOHNSON。Coming，Captain。Hehadaprayertofinish。
Osman，atall，skinny，whiteclad，elderlyMoor，appearsinthearchway。
BRASSBOUND。OsmanAli（OsmancomesforwardbetweenBrassboundandJohnson）：youhaveseenthisunbeliever（indicatingSirHoward）
comeinwithus？
OSMAN。Yea，andtheshamelessonewiththenakedface，whoflatteredmycountenanceandofferedmeherhand。
JOHNSON。Yes；andyoutookittoo，Johnny，didn’tyou？
BRASSBOUND。Takehorse，then；andridefasttoyourmastertheSheikhSidielAssifOSMAN（proudly）。KinsmantotheProphet。
BRASSBOUND。Tellhimwhatyouhaveseenhere。Thatisall。
Johnson：givehimadollar；andnotethehourofhisgoing，thathismastermayknowhowfastherides。
OSMAN。Thebeliever’swordshallprevailwithAllahandhisservantSidielAssif。
BRASSBOUND。Offwithyou。
OSMAN。Makegoodthymaster’swordereIgooutfromhispresence，OJohnsonelHull。
JOHNSON。Hewantsthedollar。
BrassboundgivesOsmanacoin。
OSMAN（bowing）。AllahwillmakehelleasyforthefriendofSidielAssifandhisservant。（Hegoesoutthroughthearch。）
BRASSBOUND（toJohnson）。KeepthemenoutofthisuntiltheSheikhcomes。Ihavebusinesstotalkover。Whenhedoescome，wemustkeeptogetherall：SidielAssif’snaturalinstinctwillbetocuteveryChristianthroathere。
JOHNSON。Welooktoyou，Captain，tosquarehim，sinceyouinvitedhimover。
BRASSBOUND。Youcandependonme；andyouknowit，Ithink。
JOHNSON（phlegmatically）。Yes：weknowit。（HeisgoingoutwhenSirHowardspeaks。）
SIRHOWARD。Youknowalso，Mr。Johnson，Ihope，thatyoucandependonME。
JOHNSON（turning）。OnYOU，sir？
SIRHOWARD。Yes：onme。Ifmythroatiscut，theSultanofMoroccomaysendSidi’sheadwithahundredthousanddollarsblood—moneytotheColonialOffice；butitwillnotbeenoughtosavehiskingdom——anymorethanitwouldsawyourlife，ifyourCaptainheredidthesamething。
JOHNSON（struck）。Isthatso，Captain？
BRASSBOUND。Iknowthegentleman’svalue——betterperhapsthanheknowsithimself。Ishallnotlosesightofit。
Johnsonnodsgravely，andisgoingoutwhenLadyCicelyreturnssoftlybythelittledoorandcallstohiminawhisper。Shehastakenoffhertravellingthingsandputonanapron。Atherchatelaineisacaseofsewingmaterials。
LADYCICELY。Mr。Johnson。（Heturns。）I’vegotMarzotosleep。
Wouldyoumindaskingthegentlemennottomakeanoiseunderhiswindowinthecourtyard。
JOHNSON。Right，maam。（Hegoesout。）
LadyCicelysitsdownatthetinytable，andbeginsstitchingataslingbandageforMarzo’sarm。Brassboundwalksupanddownonherright，mutteringtohimselfsoominouslythatSirHowardquietlygetsoutofhiswaybycrossingtotheothersideandsittingdownonthesecondsaddleseat。
SIRHOWARD。Areyouyetabletoattendtomeforamoment，CaptainBrassbound？
BRASSBOUND（stillwalkingabout）。Whatdoyouwant？
SIRHOWARD。Well，IamafraidIwantalittleprivacy，and，ifyouwillallowmetosayso，alittlecivility。Iamgreatlyobligedtoyouforbringingussafelyoffto—daywhenwewereattacked。Sofar，youhavecarriedoutyourcontract。Butsincewehavebeenyourguestshere，yourtoneandthatoftheworstofyourmenhaschanged——intentionallychanged，Ithink。
BRASSBOUND（stoppingabruptlyandflingingtheannouncementathim）。Youarenotmyguest：youaremyprisoner。
SIRHOWARD。Prisoner!
LadyCicely，afterasingleglanceup，continuesstitching，apparentlyquiteunconcerned。
BRASSBOUND。Iwarnedyou。Youshouldhavetakenmywarning。
SIRHOWARD（immediatelytakingthetoneofcolddisgustformoraldelinquency）。AmItounderstand，then，thatyouareabrigand？
Isthisamatterofransom？
BRASSBOUND（withunaccountableintensity）。AllthewealthofEnglandshallnotransomyou。
SIRHOWARD。Thenwhatdoyouexpecttogainbythis？
BRASSBOUND。Justiceonathiefandamurderer。
LadyCicelylaysdownherworkandlooksupanxiously。
SIRHOWARD（deeplyoutraged，risingwithvenerabledignity）。Sir：
doyouapplythosetermstome？
BRASSBOUND。Ido。（HeturnstoLadyCicely，andadds，pointingcontemptuouslytoSirHoward）Lookathim。Youwouldnottakethisvirtuouslyindignantgentlemanfortheuncleofabrigand，wouldyou？
SirHowardstarts。Theshockistoomuchforhim：hesitsdownagain，lookingveryold；andhishandstremble；buthiseyesandmouthareintrepid，resolute，andangry。
LADYCICELY。Uncle!Whatdoyoumean？
BRASSBOUND。Hashenevertoldyouaboutmymother？thisfellowwhoputsonermineandscarletandcallshimselfJustice。
SIRHOWARD（almostvoiceless）。Youarethesonofthatwoman!
BRASSBOUND（fiercely）。"Thatwoman!"（HemakesamovementasiftorushatSirHoward。）
LADYCICELY（risingquicklyandputtingherhandonhisarm）。
Takecare。Youmustn’tstrikeanoldman。
BRASSBOUND（raging）。Hedidnotsparemymother——"thatwoman，"hecallsher——becauseofhersex。Iwillnotsparehimbecauseofhisage。（Loweringhistonetooneofsullenvindictiveness）ButIamnotgoingtostrikehim。（LadyCicelyreleaseshim，andsitsdown，muchperplexed。Brassboundcontinues，withanevilglanceatSirHoward）Ishalldonomorethanjustice。
SIRHOWARD（recoveringhisvoiceandvigor）。Justice!Ithinkyoumeanvengeance，disguisedasjusticebyyourpassions。
BRASSBOUND。TomanyandmanyapoorwretchinthedockYOUhavebroughtvengeanceinthatdisguise——thevengeanceofsociety，disguisedasjusticebyITSpassions。Nowthejusticeyouhaveoutragedmeetsyoudisguisedasvengeance。Howdoyoulikeit？
SIRHOWARD。Ishallmeetit，Itrust，asbecomesaninnocentmanandanuprightjudge。Whatdoyouchargeagainstme？
BRASSBOUND。Ichargeyouwiththedeathofmymotherandthetheftofmyinheritance。
SIRHOWARD。Astoyourinheritance，sir，itwasyourswheneveryoucameforwardtoclaimit。ThreeminutesagoIdidnotknowofyourexistence。Iaffirmthatmostsolemnly。Ineverknew——neverdreamt——thatmybrotherMilesleftason。Astoyourmother，hercasewasahardone——perhapsthehardestthathascomewithinevenmyexperience。Imentionedit，assuch，toMr。Rankin，themissionary，theeveningwemetyou。Astoherdeath，youknow——
youMUSTknow——thatshediedinhernativecountry，yearsafterourlastmeeting。Perhapsyouweretooyoungtoknowthatshecouldhardlyhaveexpectedtolivelong。
BRASSBOUND。Youmeanthatshedrank。
SIRHOWARD。Ididnotsayso。Idonotthinkshewasalwaysaccountableforwhatshedid。
BRASSBOUND。Yes：shewasmadtoo；andwhetherdrinkdrovehertomadnessormadnessdrovehertodrinkmatterslittle。Thequestionis，whodrovehertoboth？
SIRHOWARD。Ipresumethedishonestagentwhoseizedherestatedid。Irepeat，itwasahardcase——afrightfulinjustice。Butitcouldnotberemedied。
BRASSBOUND。Youtoldherso。Whenshewouldnottakethatfalseansweryoudroveherfromyourdoors。Whensheexposedyouinthestreetandthreatenedtotakewithherownhandstheredressthelawdeniedher，youhadherimprisoned，andforcedhertowriteyouanapologyandleavethecountrytoregainherlibertyandsaveherselffromalunaticasylum。Andwhenshewasgone，anddead，andforgotten，youfoundforyourselftheremedyyoucouldnotfindforher。Yourecoveredtheestateeasilyenoughthen，robberandrascalthatyouare。Didhetellthemissionarythat，LadyCicely，eh？
LADYCICELY（sympathetically）。Poorwoman!（ToSirHoward）
Couldn’tyouhavehelpedher，Howard？
SIRHOWARD。No。ThismanmaybeignorantenoughtosupposethatwhenIwasastrugglingbarristerIcoulddoeverythingIdidwhenIwasAttorneyGeneral。Youknowbetter。Thereissomeexcuseforhismother。ShewasanuneducatedBrazilian，knowingnothingofEnglishsociety，anddrivenmadbyinjustice。
BRASSBOUND。Yourdefence——
SIRHOWARD（interruptinghimdeterminedly）。Idonotdefendmyself。Icallonyoutoobeythelaw。
BRASSBOUND。Iintendtodoso。ThelawoftheAtlasMountainsisadministeredbytheSheikhSidielAssif。Hewillbeherewithinanhour。Heisajudgelikeyourself。Youcantalklawtohim。Hewillgiveyouboththelawandtheprophets。
SIRHOWARD。DoesheknowwhatthepowerofEnglandis？
BRASSBOUND。HeknowsthattheMahdikilledmymasterGordon，andthattheMahdidiedinhisbedandwenttoparadise。
SIRHOWARD。ThenheknowsalsothatEngland’svengeancewasontheMahdi’strack。
BRASSBOUND。Ay，onthetrackoftherailwayfromtheCapetoCairo。Whoareyou，thatanationshouldgotowarforyou？Ifyouaremissing，whatwillyournewspaperssay？Afoolhardytourist。Whatwillyourlearnedfriendsatthebarsay？Thatitwastimeforyoutomakeroomforyoungerandbettermen。YOUanationalhero!YouhadbetterfindagoldfieldintheAtlasMountains。ThenallthegovernmentsofEuropewillrushtoyourrescue。Untilthen，takecareofyourself；foryouaregoingtoseeatlastthehypocrisyinthesanctimoniousspeechofthejudgewhoissentencingyou，insteadofthedespairinthewhitefaceofthewretchyouarerecommendingtothemercyofyourGod。
SIRHOWARD（deeplyandpersonallyoffendedbythisslighttohisprofession，andforthefirsttimethrowingawayhisassumeddignityandrisingtoapproachBrassboundwithhisfistsclenched；sothatLadyCicelyliftsoneeyefromherworktoassureherselfthatthetableisbetweenthem）。Ihavenomoretosaytoyou，sir。Iamnotafraidofyou，norofanybanditwithwhomyoumaybeinleague。Astoyourproperty，itisreadyforyouassoonasyoucometoyoursensesandclaimitasyourfather’sheir。Commitacrime，andyouwillbecomeanoutlaw，andnotonlylosetheproperty，butshutthedoorsofcivilizationagainstyourselfforever。
BRASSBOUND。Iwillnotsellmymother’srevengefortenproperties。
LADYCICELY（placidly）。Besides，really，Howard，asthepropertynowcosts150poundsayeartokeepupinsteadofbringinginanything，Iamafraiditwouldnotbeofmuchusetohim。
（Brassboundstandsamazedatthisrevelation。）
SIRHOWARD（takenaback）。Imustsay，Cicely，Ithinkyoumighthavechosenamoresuitablemomenttomentionthatfact。
BRASSBOUND（withdisgust）。Agh!Trickster!Lawyer!Eventhepriceyouofferforyourlifeistobepaidinfalsecoin。（Calling）
Hallothere!Johnson!Redbrook!Someofyouthere!（ToSirHoward）Youaskforalittleprivacy：youshallhaveit。Iwillnotendurethecompanyofsuchafellow——
SIRHOWARD（veryangry，andfullofthecrustiestpluck）。Youinsultme，sir。Youarearascal。Youarearascal。
Johnson，Redbrook，andafewotherscomeinthroughthearch。
BRASSBOUND。Takethismanaway。
JOHNSON。Wherearewetoputhim？
BRASSBOUND。Puthimwhereyoupleasesolongasyoucanfindhimwhenheiswanted。
SIRHOWARD。Youwillbelaidbytheheelsyet，myfriend。
REDBROOK（withcheerfultact）。Tuttut，SirHoward：what’stheuseoftalkingback？Comealong：we’llmakeyoucomfortable。
SirHowardgoesoutthroughthearchbetweenJohnsonandRedbrook，mutteringwrathfully。Therest，exceptBrassboundandLadyCicely，follow。
Brassboundwalksupanddowntheroom，nursinghisindignation。IndoingsoheunconsciouslyentersuponanunequalcontestwithLadyCicely，whositsquietlystitching。Itsoonbecomesclearthatatranquilwomancangoonsewinglongerthananangrymancangoonfuming。Further，itbeginstodawnonBrassbound’swrath—blurredperceptionthatLadyCicelyhasatsomeunnoticedstageintheproceedingsfinishedMarzo’sbandage，andisnowstitchingacoat。
Hestops；glancesathisshirtsleeves；finallyrealizesthesituation。
BRASSBOUND。Whatareyoudoingthere，madam？
LADYCICELY。Mendingyourcoat，CaptainBrassbound。
BRASSBOUND。Ihavenorecollectionofaskingyoutotakethattrouble。
LADYCICELY。No：Idon’tsupposeyouevenknewitwastorn。SomemenareBORNuntidy。YoucannotverywellreceiveSidiel——what’shisname？——withyoursleevehalfout。
BRASSBOUND（disconcerted）。I——Idon’tknowhowitgottorn。
LADYCICELY。Youshouldnotgetvirtuouslyindignantwithpeople。
Itburstsclothesmorethananythingelse，Mr。Hallam。
BRASSBOUND（flushing，quickly）。IbegyouwillnotcallmeMr。
Hallam。Ihatethename。
LADYCICELY。BlackPaquitoisyourpetname，isn’tit？
BRASSBOUND（huffily）。Iamnotusuallycalledsotomyface。
LADYCICELY（turningthecoatalittle）。I’msosorry。（Shetakesanotherpieceofthreadandputsitintoherneedle，lookingplacidlyandreflectivelyupwardmeanwhile。）Doyouknow，Youarewonderfullylikeyouruncle。
BRASSBOUND。Damnation!
LADYCICELY。Eh？
BRASSBOUND。IfIthoughtmyveinscontainedadropofhisblackblood，Iwoulddrainthememptywithmyknife。Ihavenorelations。Ihadamother：thatwasall。
LADYCICELY（unconvinced）Idaresayyouhaveyourmother’scomplexion。Butdidn’tyounoticeSirHoward’stemper，hisdoggedness，hishighspirit：aboveall，hisbeliefinrulingpeoplebyforce，asyouruleyourmen；andinrevengeandpunishment，justasyouwanttorevengeyourmother？Didn’tyourecognizeyourselfinthat？
BRASSBOUND（startled）。Myself!——inthat!
LADYCECILY（returningtothetailoringquestionasifherlastremarkwereofnoconsequencewhatever）。Didthissleevecatchyouatallunderthearm？PerhapsIhadbettermakeitalittleeasierforyou。
BRASSBOUND（irritably）。Letmycoatalone。Itwilldoverywellasitis。Putitdown。
LADYCICIELY。Oh，don’taskmetositdoingnothing。Itboresmeso。
BRASSBOUND。InHeaven’snamethen，dowhatyoulike!Onlydon’tworrymewithit。
LADYCICELY。I’msosorry。AlltheHallamsareirritable。
BRASSBOUND（penninguphisfurywithdifficulty）。AsIhavealreadysaid，thatremarkhasnoapplicationtome。
LADYCICELY（resumingherstitching）。That’ssofunny!Theyallhatetobetoldthattheyarelikeoneanother。
BRASSBOUND（withthebeginningsofdespairinhisvoice）。Whydidyoucomehere？Mytrapwaslaidforhim，notforyou。Doyouknowthedangeryouarein？
LADYCICELY。There’salwaysadangerofsomethingorother。Doyouthinkit’sworthbotheringabout？
BRASSBOUND（scoldingher）。DoITHINK!Doyouthinkmycoat’sworthmending？
LADYCICELY（prosaically）。Ohyes：it’snotsofargoneasthat。
BRASSBOUND。Haveyouanyfeeling？Orareyouafool？
LADYCICELY。I’mafraidI’madreadfulfool。ButIcan’thelpit。
Iwasmadeso，Isuppose。
BRASSBOUND。Perhapsyoudon’trealizethatyourfriendmygoodunclewillbeprettyfortunateifheisallowedtoliveouthislifeasaslavewithasetofchainsonhim？
LADYCICELY。Oh，Idon’tknowaboutthat，Mr。H——ImeanCaptainBrassbound。Menarealwaysthinkingthattheyaregoingtodosomethinggrandlywickedtotheirenemies；butwhenitcomestothepoint，reallybadmenarejustasrareasreallygoodones。
BRASSBOUND。YouforgetthatIamlikemyuncle，accordingtoyou。
HaveyouanydoubtastotherealityofHISbadness？
LADYCICELY。Blessme!youruncleHowardisoneofthemostharmlessofmen——muchnicerthanmostprofessionalpeople。Ofcoursehedoesdreadfulthingsasajudge；butthenifyoutakeamanandpayhim5，000poundsayeartobewicked，andpraisehimforit，andhavepolicemenandcourtsandlawsandjuriestodrivehimintoitsothathecan’thelpdoingit，whatcanyouexpect？
SirHoward’sallrightwhenhe’slefttohimself。WecaughtaburglaronenightatWaynfletewhenhewasstayingwithus；andI
insistedonhislockingthepoormanupuntilthepolicecame，inaroomwithawindowopeningonthelawn。ThemancamebacknextdayandsaidhemustreturntoalifeofcrimeunlessIgavehimajobinthegarden；andIdid。Itwasmuchmoresensiblethangivinghimtenyearspenalservitude：Howardadmittedit。Soyouseehe’snotabitbadreally。
BRASSBOUND。Hehadafellowfeelingforathief，knowinghewasathiefhimself。Doyouforgetthathesentmymothertoprison？
LADYCICELY（softly）。Wereyouveryfondofyourpoormother，andalwaysverygoodtoher？
BRASSBOUND（rathertakenaback）。Iwasnotworsethanothersons，Isuppose。
LADYCICELY（openinghereyesverywidely）。Oh!WasTHATall？
BRASSBOUND（exculpatinghimself，fullofgloomyremembrances）。Youdon’tunderstand。Itwasnotalwayspossibletobeverytenderwithmymother。Shehadunfortunatlyaveryviolenttemper；andshe——she——
LADYCICELY。Yes：soyoutoldHoward。（Withgenuinepityforhim）
Youmusthavehadaveryunhappychildhood。
BRASSBOUND（grimily）。Hell。Thatwaswhatmychildhoodwas。Hell。
LADYCICELY。DoyouthinkshewouldreallyhavekilledHoward，asshethreatened，ifhehadn’tsenthertoprison？
BRASSBOUND（breakingoutagain，withagrowingsenseofbeingmorallytrapped）。Whatifshedid？Whydidherobher？Whydidhenothelphertogettheestate，ashegotitforhimselfafterwards？
LADYCICELY。Hesayshecouldn’t，youknow。Butperhapstherealreasonwasthathedidn’tlikeher。Youknow，don’tyou，thatifyoudon’tlikepeopleyouthinkofallthereasonsfornothelpingthem，andifyoulikethemyouthinkofalltheoppositereasons。
BRASSBOUND。Buthisdutyasabrother!
LADYCICELY。Areyougoingtodoyourdutyasanephew？
BRASSBOUND。Don’tquibblewithme。Iamgoingtodomydutyasason；andyouknowit。
LADYCICELY。ButIshouldhavethoughtthatthetimeforthatwasinyourmother’slifetime，whenyoucouldhavebeenkindandforbearingwithher。Hurtingyourunclewon’tdoheranygood，youknow。
BRASSBOUND。Itwillteachotherscoundrelstorespectwidowsandorphans。Doyouforgetthatthereissuchathingasjustice？
LADYCICELY（gailyshakingoutthefinishedcoat）。Oh，ifyouaregoingtodressyourselfinermineandcallyourselfJustice，I
giveyouup。Youarejustyouruncleoveragain；onlyhegets？，000ayearforit，andyoudoitfornothing。
（Sheholdsthecoatuptoseewhetheranyfurtherrepairsareneeded。）
BRASSBOUND（sulkily）。Youtwistmywordsverycleverly。Butnomanorwomanhaseverchangedme。
LADYCICELY。Dearme!Thatmustbeveryniceforthepeopleyoudealwith，becausetheycanalwaysdependonyou；butisn’titratherinconvenientforyourselfwhenyouchangeyourmind？
BRASSBOUND。Ineverchangemymind。
LADYCICELY（risingwiththecoatinherhands）。Oh!Oh!!Nothingwilleverpersuademethatyouareaspigheadedasthat。
BRASSBOUND（offended）。Pigheaded!
LADYCICELY（withquick，caressingapology）。No，no，no。Ididn’tmeanthat。Firm!Unalterable!Resolute!Ironwilled!StonewallJackson!That’stheidea，isn’tit？
BRASSBOUND（hopelessly）。Youarelaughingatme。
LADYCICELY。No：trembling，Iassureyou。Nowwillyoutrythisonforme：I’mSOafraidIhavemadeittootightunderthearm。（Sheholdsitbehindhim。）
BRASSBOUND（obeyingmechanically）。YoutakemeforafoolIthink。
（Hemissesthesleeve。）
LADYCICELY。No：allmenlookfoolishwhentheyarefeelingfortheirsleeves。
BRASSBOUND。Agh!（Heturnsandsnatchesthecoatfromher；thenputsitonhimselfandbuttonsthelowestbutton。）
LADYCICELY（horrified）。Stop。No。YoumustNEVERpullacoatattheskirts，CaptainBrassbound：itspoilsthesitofit。Allowme。
（Shepullsthelappelsofhiscoatvigorouslyforward）Putbackyourshoulders。（Hefrowns，butobeys。）That’sbetter。（Shebuttonsthetopbutton。）Nowbuttontherestfromthetopdown。
DOESitcatchyouatallunderthearm？
BRASSBOUND（miserably——allresistancebeatenoutofhim）。No。
LADYCICELY。That’sright。NowbeforeIgobacktopoorMarzo，saythankyoutomeformendingyourjacket，likeanicepolitesailor。
BRASSBOUND（sittingdownatthetableingreatagitation）。Damnyou!youhavebelittledmywholelifetome。（Hebowshisheadonhishands，convulsed。）
LADYCICELY（quiteunderstanding，andputtingherhandkindlyonhisshoulder）。Ohno。Iamsureyouhavedonelotsofkindthingsandbravethings，ifyoucouldonlyrecollectthem。WithGordonforinstance？Nobodycanbelittlethat。
Helooksupatherforamoment；thenkissesherhand。ShepresseshisandturnsawaywithhereyessowetthatsheseesDrinkwater，cominginthroughthearchjustthen，withaprismatichaloroundhim。Evenwhensheseeshimclearly，shehardlyrecognizeshim；
forheisludicrouslycleanandsmoothlybrushed；andhishair，formerlymudcolor，isnowalivelyred。
DRINKWATER。Lookeah，kepn。（Brassboundspringsupandrecovershimselfquickly。）EahsthebloominShikejestappeahdontheorawznwivabahtfiftymen。Thy’llbeeahinsawdotenminnits，theywill。
LADYCICELY。TheSheikh!
BRASSBOUND。SidielAssifandfiftymen!（ToLadyCicely）Youweretoolate：Igaveyouupmyvengeancewhenitwasnolongerinmyhand。（ToDrinkwater）Callallhandstostandbyandshutthegates。Thenallheretomefororders；andbringtheprisoner。
DRINKWATER。Rawt，kepn。（Herunsout。）
LADYCICELY。IstherereallyanydangerforHoward？
BRASSBOUND。Yes。DangerforallofusunlessIkeeptomybargainwiththisfanatic。
LADYCICELY。Whatbargain？
BRASSBOUND。IpayhimsomuchaheadforeverypartyIescortthroughtotheinterior。Inreturnheprotectsmeandletsmycaravansalone。ButIhaveswornanoathtohimtotakeonlyJewsandtruebelievers——noChristians，youunderstand。
LADYCICELY。Thenwhydidyoutakeus？
BRASSBOUND。Itookmyuncleonpurpose——andsentwordtoSidithathewashere。
LADYCICELY。Well，that’saprettykettleoffish，isn’tit？
BRASSBOUND。IwilldowhatIcantosavehim——andyou。ButIfearmyrepentancehascometoolate，asrepentanceusuallydoes。
LADYCICELY（cheerfully）。Well，ImustgoandlookafterMarzo，atallevents。（Shegoesoutthroughthelittledoor。Johnson，Redbrookandtherestcomeinthroughthearch，withSirHoward，stillverycrustyanddetermined。HekeepsclosetoJohnson，whocomestoBrassbound’sright，Redbrooktakingtheotherside。）
BRASSBOUND。Where’sDrinkwater？
JOHNSON。Onthelookout。Lookhere，Capn：wedon’thalflikethisjob。Thegentlemanhasbeentalkingtousabit；andwethinkthatheISagentleman，andtalksstraightsense。
REDBROOK。Righto，BrotherJohnson。（ToBrassbound）Won’tdo，governor。Notgoodenough。
BRASSBOUND（fiercely）。Mutiny，eh？
REDBROOK。Notatall，governor。Don’ttalkTommyrotwithBrotherSidionlyfiveminutesgallopoff。Can’thandoveranEnglishmantoaniggertohavehisthroatcutBRASSBOUND（unexpectedlyacquiescing）。Verygood。Youknow，I
suppose，thatifyoubreakmybargainwithSidi，you’llhavetodefendthisplaceandfightforyourlivesinfiveminutes。Thatcan’tbedonewithoutdiscipline：youknowthattoo。I’lltakemypartwiththerestunderwhateverleaderyouarewillingtoobey。
Sochooseyourcaptainandlooksharpaboutit。（Murmursofsurpriseanddiscontent。）
VOICES。No，no。Brassboundmustcommand。
BRASSBOUND。You’rewastingyourfiveminutes。TryJohnson。
JOHNSON。No。Ihaven’ttheheadforit。
BRASSBOUND。Well，Redbrook。
REDBROOK。NotthisJohnny，thankyou。Haven’tcharacterenough。
BRASSBOUND。Well，there’sSirHowardHallamforYou!HEhascharacterenough。
AVOICE。He’stooold。
ALL。No，no。Brassbound，Brassbound。
JOHNSON。There’snobodybutyou，Captain。
REDRROOK。Themutiny’sover，governor。Youwin，handsdown。
BRASSBOUND（turningonthem）。Nowlisten，you，allofyou。IfIamtocommandhere，IamgoingtodowhatIlike，notwhatyoulike。
I’llgivethisgentlemanheretoSidiortothedevilifIchoose。
I’llnotbeintimidatedortalkedbackto。Isthatunderstood？
REDBROOK（diplomatically）。He’sofferedapresentoffivehundredquidifhegetssafebacktoMogador，governor。Excusemymentioningit。
SIRHOWARD。MyselfANDLadyCicely。
BRASSBOUND。What!Ajudgecompoundafelony!Yougreenhorns，heismorelikelytosendyoualltopenalservitudeifyouarefoolsenoughtogivehimthechance。
VOICES。Sohewould。Whew!（Murmursofconviction。）
REDBROOK。Righto，governor。That’stheaceoftrumps。
BRASSBOUND（toSirHoward）。Now，haveyouanyothercardtoplay？
Anyotherbribe？Anyotherthreat？Quick。Timepresses。
SIRHOWARD。MylifeisinthehandsofProvidence。Doyourworst。
BRASSBOUND。Ormybest。Istillhavethatchoice。
DRINKWATER（runningin）。Lookeah，kepn。Eah’sanatherlotcamminfromthesahthheast。Hunnerdsofem，thistawm。TheowldezzitislawkabloominAwdPawkdemonstrition。Awblieveit’stheKidyfromKintorfy。（Generalalarm。AlllooktoBrassbound。）
BRASSBOUND（eagerly）。TheCadi!Howfaroff？
DRINKWATER。Matterotwomawl。
BRASSBOUND。We’resaved。OpenthegatestotheSheikh。
DRINKWATER（appalled，almostintears）。Naow，naow。Lissn，kepn（PointingtoSirHoward）：e’llgivehuzfawvunnerdreduns。（Totheothers）Yntyerspowktoim，MisteJornsn——MisteRedbrook——
BRASSBOUND（cuttinghimshort）。Nowthen，doyouunderstandplainEnglish？JohnsonandRedbrook：takewhatmenyouwantandopenthegatestotheSheikh。Lethimcomestraighttome。Lookalive，willyou。
JOHNSON。Ayay，sir。
REDBROOK。Righto，governor。
Theyhurryout，withafewothers。Drinkwaterstaresafterthem，dumbfoundedbytheirobedience。
BRASSBOUND（takingoutapistol）。Youwantedtosellmetomyprisoner，didyou，youdog。
DRINKWATER（fallingonhiskneeswithayell）。Naow!（Brassboundturnsonhimasiftokickhim。HescramblesawayandtakesrefugebehindSirHoward。）
BRASSBOUND。SirHowardHallam：youhaveonechanceleft。TheCadiofKintafistandssuperiortotheSheikhastheresponsiblegovernorofthewholeprovince。ItistheCadiwhowillbesacrificedbytheSultanifEnglanddemandssatisfactionforanyinjurytoyou。IfwecanholdtheSheikhinparleyuntiltheCadiarrives，youmayfrightentheCadiintoforcingtheSheikhtoreleaseyou。TheCadi’scomingisaluckychanceforYOU。
SIRHOWARD。Ifitwerearealchance，youwouldnottellmeofit。
Don’ttrytoplaycatandmousewithme，man。
DRINKWATER（asidetoSirHoward，asBrassboundturnscontemptuouslyawaytotheothersideoftheroom）。Ityntmachofachawnst，SrAhrd。ButiftherewasaganbowtinMogadorAwbr，awdputabitonit，awwould。
Johnson，Redbrook，andtheothersreturn，rathermistrustfullyusheringinSidielAssif，attendedbyOsmanandatroopofArabs。
Brassbound’smenkeeptogetheronthearchwayside，backingtheircaptain。Sidi’sfollowerscrosstheroombehindthetableandassemblenearSirHoward，whostandshisground。DrinkwaterrunsacrosstoBrassboundandstandsathiselbowasheturnstofaceSidi。
SidielAasif，cladinspotlesswhite，isanoblyhandsomeArab，hardlythirty，withfineeyes，bronzedcomplexion，andinstinctivelydignifiedcarriage。Heplaceshimselfbetweenthetwogroups，withOsmaninattendanceathisrighthand。
OSMAN（pointingoutSirHoward）。ThisistheinfidelCadi。（SirHowardbowstoSidi，but，beinganinfidel，receivesonlythehaughtieststareinacknowledgement。）This（pointingtoBrassbound）isBrassboundtheFranguestanicaptain，theservantofSidi。
DRINKWATER（nottobeoutdone，pointsouttheSheikhandOsmantoBrassbound）。ThiseahistheCommawnderoftheFythfulanisVizzeerRosman。
SIDI。Whereisthewoman？
OSMAN。Theshamelessoneisnothere。
BRASSBOUND。SidielAssif，kinsmanoftheProphet：youarewelcome。
REDBROOK（withmuchaplomb）。ThereisnomajestyandnomightsaveinAllah，theGlorious，theGreat!
DRINKWATER。Eah，eah!
OSMAN（toSidi）。Theservantofthecaptainmakeshisprofessionoffaithasatruebeliever。
SIDI。Itiswell。
BRASSBOUND（asidetoRedbrook）。Wheredidyoupickthatup？
REDRROOK（asidetoBrassbound）。CaptainBurton’sArabianNights——
copyinthelibraryoftheNationalLiberalClub。
LADYCICELY（callingwithout）。Mr。Drinkwater。ComeandhelpmewithMarzo。（TheSheikhpricksuphisears。Hisnostrilsandeyesexpand。）
OSMAN。Theshamelessone!
BRASSBOUND（toDrinkwater，seizinghimbythecollarandslinginghimtowardsthedoor）。Offwithyou。
Drinkwatergoesoutthroughthelittledoor。
OSMAN。Shallwehideherfacebeforesheenters？
SIDI。NO。
LadyCicely，whohasresumedhertravellingequipment，andhasherhatslungacrossherarm，comesthroughthelittledoorsupportingMarzo，whoisverywhite，butabletogetabout。Drinkwaterhashisotherarm。RedbrookhastenstorelieveLadyCicelyofMarzo，takinghimintothegroupbehindBrassbound。LadyCicelycomesforwardbetweenBrassboundandtheSheikh，towhomsheturnsaffably。
LADYCICELY（profferingherhand）。SidielAssif，isn’tit？Howdyedo？（Herecoils，blushingsomewhat。）
OSMAN（scandalized）。Woman；touchnotthekinsmanoftheProphet。
LADYCICELY。Oh，Isee。I’mbeingpresentedatcourt。Verygood。
（Shemakesapresentationcurtsey。）
REDBROOK。SidielAssif：thisisoneofthemightywomenSheikhsofFranguestan。ShegoesunveiledamongKings；andonlyprincesmaytouchherhand。
LADYCICELY。Allahuponthee，SidielAssif!BeagoodlittleSheikh，andshakehands。
SIDI（timidlytouchingherhand）。Nowthisisawonderfulthing，andworthytobechronicledwiththestoryofSolomonandtheQueenofSheba。Isitnotso，OsmanAli？
OSMAN。Allahuponthee，master!itisso。
SIDI。BrassboundAli：theoathofajustmanfulfilsitselfwithoutmanywords。TheinfidelCadi，thycaptive，fallstomyshare。
BRASSBOUND（firmly）。Itcannotbe，SidielAssif。（Sidi’sbrowscontractgravely。）ThepriceofhisbloodwillberequiredofourlordtheSultan。IwilltakehimtoMoroccoanddeliverhimupthere。
SIDI（impressively）。Brassbound：Iaminmineownhouseandamidmineownpeople。IamtheSultanhere。Considerwhatyousay；forwhenmywordgoesforthforlifeordeath，itmaynotberecalled。
BRASSBOUND。SidielAssif：Iwillbuythemanfromyouatwhatpriceyouchoosetoname；andifIdonotpayfaithfully，youshalltakemyheadforhis。
SIDI。Itiswell。Youshallkeeptheman，andgivemethewomaninpayment。
SIRHOWARDANDBRASSBOUND（withthesameimpulse）。No，no。
LADYCICELY（eagerly）。Yes，yes。Certainly，Mr。Sidi。Certainly。
Sidismilesgravely。
SIRHOWARD。Impossible。
BRASSBOUND。Youdon’tknowwhatyou’redoing。
LADYCICELY。Oh，don’tI？I’venotcrossedAfricaandstayedwithsixcannibalchiefsfornothing。（TotheSheikh）It’sallright，Mr。Sidi：Ishallbedelighted。
SIRHOWARD。Youaremad。DoyousupposethismanwilltreatyouasaEuropeangentlemanwould？
LADYCICELY。No：he’lltreatmelikeoneofNature’sgentlemen：
lookathisperfectlysplendidface!（AddressingOsmanasifhewereheroldestandmostattachedretainer。）Osman：besureyouchoosemeagoodhorse；andgetanicestrongcamelformyluggage。
Osman，afteramomentofstupefaction，hurriesout。LadyCicelyputsonherhatandpinsittoherhair，theSheikhgazingatherduringtheprocesswithtimidadmiration。
DRINKWATER（chuckling）。She’llmawchemalltochurchnextSunderlawkabloominloto’cherritykids：youseeifshedoesn’t。
LADYCICELY（busily）。Goodbye，Howard：don’tbeanxiousaboutme；
andaboveall，don’tbringaparcelofmenwithgunstorescueme。
IshallbeallrightnowthatIamgettingawayfromtheescort。
CaptainBrassbound：IrelyonyoutoseethatSirHowardgetssafetoMogador。（Whispering）Takeyourhandoffthatpistol。（Hetakeshishandoutofhispocket，reluctantly。）Goodbye。
Atumultwithout。Theyallturnapprehensivelytothearch。Osmanrushesin。
OSMAN。TheCadi，theCadi。Heisinanger。Hismenareuponus。
Defend——
TheCadi，avigorous，fatfeatured，choleric，whitehairedandbeardedelder，rushesin，cudgelinhand，withanoverwhelmingretinue，andsilencesOsmanwithasoundingthwack。Inamomentthebackoftheroomiscrowdedwithhisfollowers。TheSheikhretreatsalittletowardshismen；andtheCadicomesimpetuouslyforwardbetweenhimandLadyCicely。
THECADI。Nowwoeuponthee，SidielAssif，thouchildofmischief!
SIDI（sternly）。AmIadog，MuleyOthman，thatthouspeakestthustome？
THECADI。Wiltthoudestroythycountry，andgiveusallintothehandsofthemthatsettheseaonfirebutyesterdaywiththeirshipsofwar？WherearetheFranguestanicaptives？
LADYCICELY。Hereweare，Cadi。Howdyedo？
THECADI。Allahuponthee，thoumoonatthefull!Whereisthykinsman，theCadiofFranguestan？Iamhisfriend，hisservant。I
comeonbehalfofmymastertheSultantodohimhonor，andtocastdownhisenemies。
SIRHOWARD。Youareverygood，Iamsure。
SIDI（graverthanever）。MuleyOthman——
TAECADI（fumblinginhisbreast）。Peace，peace，thouinconsiderateone。（Hetakesoutaletter。）
BRASSBOUND。Cadi——
THECADI。Ohthoudog，thou，thouaccursedBrassbound，sonofawanton：itisthouhastledSidielAssifintothiswrongdoing。
Readthiswritingthatthouhastbroughtuponmefromthecommanderofthewarship。
BRASSBOUND。Warship!（Hetakestheletterandopensit，hismenwhisperingtooneanotherverylow—spiritedlymeanwhile。）
REDBROOK。Warship!Whew!
JOHNSON。Gunboat，praps。
DRINKWATER。LawkbloominWorterleoobuses，theyare，onthiscowst。
Brassboundfoldsuptheletter，lookingglum。
SIRHOWARD（sharply）。Well，sir，arewenottohavethebenefitofthatletter？Yourmenarewaitingtohearit，Ithink。
BRASSBOUND。ItisnotaBritishship。（SirHoward’sfacefalls。）
LADYCICELY。Whatisit，then？
RASSBOUND。AnAmericancruiser。TheSantiago。
THECADI（tearinghisbeard）。Woe!alas!itiswheretheysettheseaonfire。
SIDI。Peace，MuleyOthman：Allahisstillaboveus。
JOHNSON。Wouldyoumindreadinittous，capn？
BRASSBOUND（grimly）。Oh，I’llreadittoyou。"MogadorHarbor。26
Sept。1899。CaptainHamlinKearney，ofthecruiserSantiago，presentsthecomplimentsoftheUnitedStatestotheCadiMuleyOthmanelKintafi，andannouncesthatheiscomingtolookforthetwoBritishtravellersSirHowardHallamandLadyCicelyWaynflete，intheCadi’sjurisdiction。Asthesearchwillbeconductedwithmachineguns，thepromptreturnofthetravellerstoMogadorHarborwillsavemuchtroubletoallparties。"
THECADI。AsIlive，OCadi，andthou，moonofloveliness，yeshallbeledbacktoMogadorwithhonor。Andthou，accursedBrassbound，shallgothitheraprisonerinchains，thouandthypeople。（Brassboundandhismenmakeamovementtodefendthemselves。）Seizethem。
LADYCICELY。Oh，pleasedon’tfight。（Brassbound，seeingthathismenarehopelesslyoutnumbered，makesnoresistance。TheyaremadeprisonersbytheCadi’sfollowers。）
SIDI（attemptingtodrawhisscimitar）。Thewomanismine：Iwillnotforegoher。（HeisseizedandoverpoweredafteraHomericstruggle。）
SIRHOWARD（drily）。Itoldyouyouwerenotinastrongposition，CaptainBrassbound。（Lookingimplacablyathim。）Youarelaidbytheheels，myfriend，asIsaidyouwouldbe。
LADYCICELY。ButIassureyou——
BRASSBOUND（interruptingher）。Whathaveyoutoassurehimof？Youpersuadedmetosparehim。Lookathisface。Willyoubeabletopersuadehimtospareme？
ACTIII
TorridforenoonfilteredthroughsmallMoorishwindowshighupintheadobewallsofthelargestroominLeslieRankin’shouse。A
cleancoolroom，withthetable（aChristianarticle）setinthemiddle，apresidentiallyelbowedchairbehindit，andaninkstandandpaperreadyforthesitter。AcoupleofcheapAmericanchairsrightandleftofthetable，facingthesamewayasthepresidentialchair，giveajudicialaspecttothearrangement。
RankinisplacingalittletraywithajugandsomeglassesneartheinkstandwhenLadyCicely’svoiceisheardatthedoor，whichisbehindhiminthecornertohisright。
LADECICELY。Goodmorning。MayIcomein？
RANKIN。Certainly。（Shecomesin，tothenearestendofthetable。
Shehasdiscardedalltravellingequipment，andisdressedexactlyasshemightbeinSurreyonaveryhotday。）Sityedoon，LeddyCeecily。
LADYCICELY（sittingdown）。Howniceyou’vemadetheroomfortheinquiry!
RANKIN（doubtfully）。Icouldwishthereweremorechairs。YonAmericancaptainwillpresideinthis；andthatleavesbutoneforSirHowrrdandoneforyourleddyship。Icouldalmostbetemptedtocallitamaircythatyourfriendthatownstheyachthassprainedhisankleandcannotcome。ImisdoubtmeitwillnotlookjudeecialtohaveCaptainKearney’sofficerssquattingonthefloor。
LADYCICELY。Oh，theywon’tmind。Whatabouttheprisoners？
RANKIN。Theyaretobebroatherefromthetowngaolpresently。
LADYCICELY。AndwhereisthatsillyoldCadi，andmyhandsomeSheikhSidi？Imustseethembeforetheinquiry，orthey’llgiveCaptainKearneyquiteafalseimpressionofwhathappened。
RANKIN。Butyecannotseethem。Theydecampedlastnight，backtotheircastlesintheAtlas。
LADYCICELY（delighted）。No!
RANKIN。Indeedandtheydid。ThepoorCadiissoterrifiedbyallhehashairdofthedestructionoftheSpanishfleet，thathedaren’ttrusthimselfinthecaptain’shands。（Lookingreproachfullyather）Onyourjourneybackhere，yeseemtohavefrightenedthepoormanyourself，LeddyCeecily，bytalkingtohimaboutthefanaticalChreestianityoftheAmericans。Yehavelargelyyourselftothankifhe’sgone。
LADYCICELY。Allahbepraised!WHATaweightoffourminds，Mr。
Rankin!
RANKIN（puzzled）。Andwhy？Doyenotunderstandhownecessarytheirevidenceis？
LADYCICELY。THEIRevidence!Itwouldspoileverything。TheywouldperjurethemselvesoutofpurespiteagainstpoorCaptainBrassbound。
RANKIN（amazed）。DoyecallhimPOORCaptainBrassbound!DoesnotyourleddyshipknowthatthisBrasshoundis——Heavenforgivemeforjudginghim!——apreciousscoundrel？DidyenothearwhatSirHowrrdtoldmeontheyachtlastnight？
LADYCICELY。Allamistake，Mr。Rankin：allamistake，Iassureyou。Yousaidjustnow，Heavenforgiveyouforjudginghim!Well，that’sjustwhatthewholequarrelisabout。CaptainBrassboundisjustlikeyou：hethinkswehavenorighttojudgeoneanother；
anditsSirHowardgets？，000ayearfordoingnothingelsebutjudgingpeople，hethinkspoorCaptainBrassboundaregularAnarchist。Theyquarreleddreadfullyatthecastle。Youmustn’tmindwhatSirHowardsaysabouthim：youreallymustn’t。
RANKIN。Buthisconduct——
LADYCICELY。Perfectlysaintly，Mr。Rankin。Worthyofyourselfinyourbestmoments。HeforgaveSirHoward，anddidallhecouldtosavehim。
RANKIN。Yeastoanishme，LeddyCeecily。
LADYCICELY。Andthinkofthetemptationtobehavebadlywhenhehadusalltherehelpless!
RANKIN。Thetemptation!ay：that’strue。Ye’reowerbonnytobecastawayamongaparcelolone，lawlessmen，myleddy。
LADYCICELY（naively）。Blessme，that’squitetrue；andIneverthoughtofit!Oh，afterthatyoureallymustdoallyoucantohelpCaptainBrassbound。
RANKIN（reservedly）。No：Icannotsaythat，LeddyCeecily。Idoubthehasimposedonyourgoodnatureandsweetdisposeetion。IhadacrackwiththeCadiaswellaswithSirHowrrd；andthereislittlequestioninmymindbutthatCaptainBrassboundisnobetterthanabreegand。
LADYCICELY（apparentlydeeplyimpressed）。Iwonderwhetherhecanbe，Mr。Rankin。Ifyouthinkso，that’sheavilyagainsthiminmyopinion，becauseyouhavemoreknowledgeofmenthananyoneelsehere。PerhapsI’mmistaken。Ionlythoughtyoumightliketohelphimasthesonofyouroldfriend。
RANKIN（startled）。Thesonofmyoldfriend!Whatd’yemean？
LADYCICELY。Oh!Didn’tSirHowardtellyouthat？Why，CaptainBrassboundturnsouttobeSirHoward’snephew，thesonofthebrotheryouknew。
RANKIN（overwhelmed）。Isawthelikenessthenighthecamehere!
It’strue：it’strue。Uncleandnephew!
LADYCICELY。Yes：that’swhytheyquarrelledso。
RANKIN（withamomentarysenseofillusage）。IthinkSirHowrrdmighthavetoldmethat。
LADYCICELY。OfcourseheOUGHTtohavetoldyou。Youseeheonlytellsonesideofthestory。Thatcomesfromhistrainingasabarrister。Youmustn’tthinkhe’snaturallydeceitful：ifhe’dbeenbroughtupasaclergyman，he’dhavetoldyouthewholetruthasamatterofcourse。
RANKIN（toomuchperturbedtodwellonhisgrievance）。LeddyCeecily：Imustgototheprisonandseethelad。Hemayhavebeenabitwild；butIcan’tleavepoorMiles’ssonunbefriendedinaforeigngaol。
LADYCICELY（rising，radiant）。Oh，howgoodofyou!Youhavearealkindheartofgold，Mr。Rankin。Now，beforeyougo，shallwejustputourheadstogether，andconsiderhowtogiveMiles’ssoneverychance——Imeanofcourseeverychancethatheoughttohave。
RANKIN（ratheraddled）。Iamsoconfusedbythisastoanishingnews——
LADYCICELY。Yes，yes：ofcourseyouare。Butdon’tyouthinkhewouldmakeabetterimpressionontheAmericancaptainifhewerealittlemorerespectablydressed？
RANKIN。Mebbe。ButhowcanthatberemediedhereinMogador？
LADYCICELY。Oh，I’vethoughtofthat。YouknowI’mgoingbacktoEnglandbywayofRome，Mr。Rankin；andI’mbringingaportmanteaufullofclothesformybrotherthere：he’sambassador，youknow，andhastobeVERYparticularastowhathewears。Ihadtheportmanteaubroughtherethismorning。NowWOULDyoumindtakingittotheprison，andsmarteningupCaptainBrassboundalittle。
Tellhimheoughttodoittoshowhisrespectforme；andhewill。Itwillbequiteeasy：therearetwoKrooboyswaitingtocarrytheportmanteau。Youwill：Iknowyouwill。（Sheedgeshimtothedoor。）Anddoyouthinkthereistimetogethimshaved？
RANKIN（succumbing，halfbewildered）。I’lldomybest。
LADYCICELY。Iknowyouwill。（Asheisgoingout）Oh!oneword，Mr。Rankin。（Hecomesback。）TheCadididn’tknowthatCaptainBrassboundwasSirHoward’snephew，didhe？
RANKIN。No。
LADYCICELY。Thenhemusthavemisunderstoodeverythingquitedreadfully。I’mafraid，Mr。Rankin——thoughyouknowbest，ofcourse——thatweareboundnottorepeatanythingattheinquirythattheCadisaid。Hedidn’tknow，yousee。
RANKIN（cannily）。Itakeyourpoint，LeddyCeecily。Italtersthecase。Ishallcertainlymakenoallusiontoit。
LADYCICELY（magnanimously）。Well，then，Iwon’teither。There!
Theyshakehandsonit。SirHowardcomesin。
SIRHOWARD。GoodmorningMr。Rankin。Ihopeyougothomesafelyfromtheyachtlastnight。
RANKIN。Quitesafe，thankye，SirHowrrd。
LADYCICELY。Howard，he’sinahurry。Don’tmakehimstoptotalk。
SIRHOWARD。Verygood，verygood。（HecomestothetableandtakesLadyCicely’schair。）
RANKIN。Oorevoir，LeddyCeecily。
LADYCICELY。Blessyou，Mr。Rankin。（Rankingoesout。Shecomestotheotherendofthetable，lookingatSirHowardwithatroubled，sorrowfullysympatheticair，butunconsciouslymakingherrighthandstalkaboutthetableonthetipsofitsfingersinatentativestealthywaywhichwouldputSirHowardonhisguardifhewereinasuspiciousframeofmind，which，asithappens，heisnot。）I’msosorryforyou，Howard，aboutthisunfortunateinquiry。
SIRHOWARD（swingingroundonhischair，astonished）。SorryforME!Why？
LADYCICELY。Itwilllooksodreadful。Yourownnephew，youknow。
SIRHOWARD。Cicely：anEnglishjudgehasnonephews，nosonseven，whenhehastocarryoutthelaw。
LADYCICELY。Butthenheoughtn’ttohaveanypropertyeither。
PeoplewillneverunderstandabouttheWestIndianEstate。They’llthinkyou’rethewickeduncleoutoftheBabesintheWood。（Withafreshgushofcompassion）I’msoSOsorryforyou。
SIRHOWARD（ratherstiffly）。IreallydonotseehowIneedyourcommiseration，Cicely。Thewomanwasanimpossibleperson，halfmad，halfdrunk。Doyouunderstandwhatsuchacreatureiswhenshehasagrievance，andimaginessomeinnocentpersontobetheauthorofit？
LADYCICELY（withatouchofimpatience）。Oh，quite。THAT’llbemadeclearenough。Icanseeitallinthepapersalready：ourhalfmad，halfdrunksister—in—law，makingsceneswithyouinthestreet，withthepolicecalledin，andprisonandalltherestofit。Thefamilywillbefurious。（SirHowardquails。Sheinstantlyfollowsupheradvantagewith）Thinkofpapa!
SIRHOWARD。IshallexpectLordWaynfletetolookatthematterasareasonableman。
LADYCICELY。Doyouthinkhe’ssogreatlychangedasthat，Howard？
SIRHOWARD（fallingbackonthefatalismofthedepersonalizedpublicman）。MydearCicely：thereisnousediscussingthematter。Itcannotbehelped，howeverdisagreeableitmaybe。
LADYCICELY。Ofcoursenot。That’swhat’ssodreadful。Doyouthinkpeoplewillunderstand？
SIRHOWARD。Ireallycannotsay。Whethertheydoornot，Icannothelpit。
LADYCICELY。Ifyouwereanybodybutajudge，itwouldn’tmattersomuch。Butajudgemustn’tevenbemisunderstood。（Despairingly）
Oh，it’sdreadful，Howard：it’sterrible!WhatwouldpoorMarysayifshewerealivenow？
SIRHOWARD（withemotion）。Idon’tthink，Cicely，thatmydearwifewouldmisunderstandme。