Page:Poet Lore, volume 25, 1914.djvu/590

 protested, so I had to use force. Then your husband came by, and we thought we’d all come up to investigate

Iustus.—This man was our neighbor for fifteen years, and he asked me for employment this morning.

Valenta.—Yes, this gentleman told me to call here for a job, but he was not at home.

Policeman.—That part of your story is quite right, old chap, But what did you do here when the boss was out?

Theresa.—He asked me for work.

Policeman.—But the money?

Iustus.—Money?

Policeman.—Yes, that’s why I pinched him. A man like he never had that much money in his life. They (pointing to the window) don’t get that in two years, in salaries.

( is silent.)

Policeman.—You people would better look over your things here. If this money does not belong here, it belongs some other place. We’ll find out soon enough. We’d better be going. (Wants to lead away.)

Theresa.—It was my money, I gave it to him. Let him go, he’s innocent.

(The, surprised, looks from to , and then at  again. Short pause.)

Iustus.—Well, officer, if my wife says so, it must be true. Let him go and please go, too.

Policeman.—Begging your pardon, sir, no harm meant, I was just doing my duty.

Iustus.—I understand—it’s all right. I thank you.

Policeman (to ).—Now, get yourself away as soon as you can.

Iustus (to ).—You leave him here a while. Good-bye, officer.

( leaves. Long pause. is pacing up and down the room, goes over to the mantel and picks up the papers left by .  is standing by the window, her back to