The Ghost of Jerry Bundler | Page 4

from "The Rivals," Somers, (pointing to SOMERS) and I have been up to town to get the costumes, wigs, etc., to-day. I've got them up-stairs--knee-breeches, stockings, buckled shoes, and all that sort of thing. It's a rare chance. If you wait a bit, I'll give you a full dress rehearsal, entitled "Jerry Bundler, or the Nocturnal Stranger." (At door L.).
LEEK (sneeringly). You won't frighten us, will you?
HIRST. I don't know so much about that--it's a question of acting, that's all.
MALCOLM. I'll bet you a level sov, you don't frighten me.
HIRST (quietly). A level sov. (Pauses.) Done. I'll take the bet to frighten you first, and the old boy afterwards. These gentlemen shall be the judges. (Points to LEEK and BELDON.)
BELDON (up C.). You won't frighten us because we're prepared for you, but you'd better leave the old man alone. It's dangerous play. (Appeals to LEEK).
HIRST. Well, I'll try you first. (Moves to door and pauses.) No gas, mind.
OMNES. No! no!
HIRST (laughs). I'll give you a run for your money.
(GEORGE enters, holds door open.)
(Exit HIRST.)
(GEORGE passes drinks round. Five drinks. SOMERS takes the one ordered for HIRST and puts it on the table R. BELDON sits R. C. GEORGE crosses to table, puts two drinks down, goes to fire and gives drinks, then up to table, puts tray down, takes up glass and begins to wipe it, gets down L. for lines.)
LEEK (to MALCOLM). I think you'll win your bet, sir, but I vote we give him a chance. Suppose we have cigars round, and if he's not back by the time we've finished them I must be off, as I have a quarter of an hour's walk before me. (Looks at watch.) He's a friend of yours, isn't he?
SOMERS. Yes, I have known him a good many years now, and I must say he's a rum chap; just crazy about acting and practical joking, though I've often told him he carries the latter too far at times. In this case it doesn't matter, but I won't let him try it on the old gentleman. You see we know what he's going to do, and are prepared, but he doesn't, and it might lead to illness or worse; the old chap's sixty-two and such a shock might have serious consequences. But Hirst won't mind giving up that part of it, so long as he gets an opportunity of acting to us.
LEEK (knocks pipe on grate). Well, I hope he'll hurry up. It's getting pretty late. (To SOMERS.)
MALCOLM. Well, gentlemen, your health!
SOMERS. Good luck.
LEEK. Hurrah!
BELDON. Chin-chin!
LEEK. By the way, how is it you happen to be here to-night?
SOMERS. Oh, we missed the connection at Tolleston Junction and as the accommodation at the Railway Arms there was rather meagre, the Station Master advised us to drive on here, put up for the night, and catch the Great Northern express from Exton in the morning. (Rises, crosses to L.) Oh, George, that reminds me--you might see that 'Boots' calls us at 7 sharp.
(BELDON rises, goes up to them to fire.)
GEORGE. Certainly, sir. What are your numbers?
SOMERS. 13 and 14.
GEORGE. I'll put it on the slate, special, sir. (Goes to door L.)
LEEK. I beg pardon, gentlemen, I forgot the cigars; George, bring some cigars back with you.
BELDON. A very mild one for me.
GEORGE. Very well, sir. (Takes up tray from sideboard.)
(Exit L.)
(SOMERS sits R. C.)
MALCOLM. I think you were very wise coming on here. (Sits on settle R.) I stayed at the Railway Arms, Tolleston, once--never again though. Is your friend clever at acting?
SOMERS. I don't think he's clever enough to frighten you. I'm to spend Christmas at his place, and he's asked me to assist at the theatricals he spoke of. Nothing would satisfy him till I consented, and I must honestly say I am very sorry I ever did, for I expect I shall be pretty bad. I know I have scarcely slept a wink these last few nights, trying to get the words into my head.
(GEORGE enters backwards, pale and trembling.)
MALCOLM. Why! Look--what the devil's the matter with George? (Crosses to GEORGE.)
GEORGE. I've seen it, gentlemen. (Down stage L. C.)
OMNES. Seen who?
(BELDON down R. edge of table R. LEEK up R. C. SOMERS up R.)
GEORGE. The ghost. Jer--Bun--
MALCOLM. Why, you're frightened, George.
GEORGE. Yes, sir. It was the suddenness of it, and besides I didn't look for seeing it in the bar. There was only a glimmer of light there, and it was sitting on the floor. I nearly touched it.
MALCOLM (goes to door, looks off, then returns--to others). It must be Hirst up to his tricks. George was out of the room when he suggested it. (To GEORGE.) Pull yourself together, man.
GEORGE. Yes, sir--but it took me unawares. I'd never have gone to the bar by myself if I'd known it was