Theft Part 34

{Starkweather}

Where are they, then?

(_She does not answer._)

If they are in the room we can find them. Search the room. Tom, Mr. Hubbard, Dobleman. They must be recovered at any cost.

(_While a thorough search of the room is being made, Mrs.

 

Starkweather, overcome, has Connie a.s.sist her to seat at left.

Margaret also seats herself, in same chair at desk._)

{Chalmers}

(_Pausing from search, while others continue._) There is no place to look for them. They are not in the room. Are you sure you didn't mislay them?

{Starkweather}

Nonsense. Margaret took them. They are a bulky package and not easily hidden. If they aren't in the room, then she has them on her.

{Chalmers}

Madge, give them up.

{Margaret}

I haven't them.

(_Chalmers, stepping suddenly up to her, starts feeling for the papers, running his hands over her dress._)

{Margaret}

(_Springing to her feet and striking him in the face with her open palm._) How dare you!

(_Chalmers recoils, Mrs. Starkweather is threatened with hysteria and is calmed by the frightened Connie, while Starkweather looks on grimly._)

{Hubbard}

(_Giving up search of room._) Possibly it would be better to let me retire, Mr. Starkweather.

{Starkweather}

No; those papers are here in this room. If n.o.body leaves there will be no possible chance for the papers to get out of the room.

What would you recommend doing, Hubbard?

{Hubbard}

(_Hesitatingly._) Under the circ.u.mstances I don't like to suggest--

{Starkweather}

Go on.

{Hubbard}

First, I would make sure that she--er--Mrs. Chalmers has taken them.

{Starkweather}

I have made that certain.

{Chalmers}

But what motive could she have for such an act?

(_Hubbard looks wise._)

{Starkweather}

(_To Hubbard._) You know more about this than would appear. What is it?

{Hubbard}

I'd rather not. It is too--

(_Looks significantly at Mrs. Starkweather and Connie._)--er--delicate.

{Starkweather}

This affair has gone beyond all delicacy. What is it?

{Margaret}

No! No!

(_Chalmers and Starkweather look at her with sudden suspicion._)

{Starkweather}

Go on, Mr. Hubbard.

{Hubbard}

I'd--I'd rather not.

{Starkweather}

(_Savagely._) I say go on.