quite a number of infirm people to support, I'd better

allot to each of them his task, as I am going to be absent for a time. Hulloa, blindman!

Blindman. What is it, Sir?

Householder, I'm going away for three or four days, and I shall put you in charge of the storeroom where the Chinese furniture is. Look well after it in my absence.

Blindman. Certainly, Sir, Pray do not be uneasy. I trust you will soon return.

Householder. Good! Hulloa, hulloa, cripple! I'm going away for three or four days, and I shall put you in charge of the money room. Look well after it in my absence.

Cripple. Certainly, Sir. I trust you will soon return.

Householder. Good! Hulloa, hulloa there!

Mute. Wa-a-a!

Householder. I'm going away for four or five days. Look after things well in my absence. I put you in charge of the cellar.

Mute. Wa-a-a.

Householder. Good-bye, all of you, then. I shall soon be back. [Exit.

Blindman. Well, well! It's very inconvenient keeping one's eyes shut, I'll just open mine for a little.

Cripple. Come, come! One's feet feel quite queer doubled up like this. I'll just stretch out mine a little.

Blindman. Hulloa! It's you, is it? Well, well, well! I suppose the bad luck you've had lately sent you here?

Cripple. Precisely. Just so. But there's a fellow there with a queer voice. Let's go and have a look at him.