Page:Under the Gaslight.djvu/23

Rh

and gets the advertisers to make appointments with him, which he keeps regularly, and regularly comes back cussing at his ill luck. See here Miss, I've a bundle of answers to deliver, as usual, to advertisers. I calls 'em Target Practice, and this time, you see, he's accidentally hit the mark.

Laura. For Heaven's sake do not betray me to him! I've got very little money, I earn it hardly; but take it, take it—and save me. (Offers money.)

Snorkey. No, Miss; not a cent of it. Though is a devil, and would kick me hard if he thought I would betray him.

Laura. I don't want you to suffer for my sake, take the money.

Snorkey. No, I stood up to be shot at for thirteen dollars a month, and I can take my chances of a kickin' for nothing. But ain't the only one Miss, there's another's looking for you.

Laura. (Her look of joy changing to fear.) Another! Who?

Snorkey. (Approaching smilingly find confidenlial.). ( turns aside despairingly.) He's been at me every day for more than six weeks. "" says he, "do you remember that beautiful young lady you brought the bouquet to on New Year's night?" "Well," says I, "Capt'n, the young lady I slightly disremember, but the cakes and wine I got there that night I shall never forget." "Search for that young lady," says he, "and when you find her"—

Laura. No, no, no; not even he must know. Do you hear—not he—not anyone. You have served them well; serve me and be silent.

Snorkey. Just as you please, Miss, but I hate to serve you by putting your friends off the track—it don't seem natural— I don't mind; but the Capt'n wouldn't do you any harm. Just let me give him a bit of a hint. ( makes an entreating gesture.) Well I'm mum, but as I've only got one hand, it's hard work to hold my tongue. (Going.) Not the least bit of a hint? ( appealingly and then turns away.) They say when a woman says no, she means yes! I wonder if I dare tell her that he's not far off. Perhaps I'd better not. But I can tell him. (Exit

Laura. How shall I ever escape that dreadful man? And searching for me too! Our friends then remember us as well as our enemies. ( enters quickly shutting the door behind her, with basket which she places on table )

Peach. O, Miss, whatever is into the people? There's a strange man coming down the entry. I heard him asking that red cap fellow about you.

Laura. ! Fasten the door quick, ( runs to door, it is slightly opened, she pushes it against some one on the other side.)

Peach. O dear! He's powerful strong, I can't keep it shut. Go away you willin! Oh! (The door is forced and enters.)

Ray. (Advancing ) —It is I.

Laura. ! (Shrinks from him.)

Ray. Dear ! (He stops as he becomes conscious that with her basket on her arm and her bonnet hanging on her back is staring at him.) I say, my girl, havn't you some particular business somewhere else to attend to?

Peach. (Seriously, ) No, sir; I've swept the sidewalk and gone a marketing, and now I'm in doors and I mean to stay.

Ray. And wouldn't you oblige me by going for a sheet of paper