Theft Part 32

{Starkweather}

(_With one last questioning glance at Margaret, who remains impa.s.sive._) Yes, I did. Have you been in that other room all the time?

{Dobleman}

Yes, sir.

{Starkweather}

Did anybody pa.s.s through and enter this room?

{Dobleman}

No, sir.

{Starkweather}

Very well. We'll see what the maid has to say.

(_He presses b.u.t.ton once._) Margaret, I give you one last chance.

{Margaret}

I have told you that if I leave this room, I shall not take them with me.

(_Maid enters from right rear and advances._)

{Starkweather}

Has anybody come into this room from the hall in the last few minutes?

{Maid}

No, sir; not since Mrs. Chalmers came in.

{Starkweather}

How do you know?

{Maid}

I was in the hall, sir, dusting all the time.

{Starkweather}

That will do.

(_Maid makes exit to right rear._) Dobleman, a very unusual thing has occurred.

Mrs. Chalmers and I have been alone in this room. Those letters stolen by Gherst had been returned to me by Hubbard but the moment before. They were on my desk. I turned my back for a moment to go to the safe. When I came back they were gone.

{Dobleman}

(_Embarra.s.sed._) Yes, sir.

{Starkweather}

Mrs. Chalmers took them. She has them now.

{Dobleman}

(_Attempts to speak, stammers._) Er--er--yes, sir

{Starkweather}

I want them back. What is to be done?

(_Dobleman remains in hopeless confusion._) Well!

{Dobleman}

(_Speaking hurriedly and hopefully._) S-send for Mr. Hubbard. He got them for you before.

{Starkweather}

A good suggestion. Telephone for him. You should find him at the Press Club.

(_Dobleman starts to make exit to right._) Don't leave the room.

Use this telephone. (_Indicating desk telephone._) (_Dobleman moves around to left of desk and uses telephone standing up._) From now on no one leaves the room. If my daughter can be guilty of such a theft, it is plain I can trust no one--no one.

{Dobleman}

(_Speaking in transmitter._) Red 6-2-4. Yes, please.

(_Waits._)

{Starkweather}

(_Rising._) Call Senator Chalmers as well. Tell him to come immediately.

{Dobleman}

Yes, sir--immediately.

{Starkweather}

(_Starting to cross stage to center and speaking to Margaret._) Come over here.