Page:Under the Gaslight.djvu/47

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Laura. It is locked fast.

Snorkey. Is there nothing in there?—no hammer ?—no crowbar?

Laura. Nothing! (Faint steam whistle heard in the distance.) O, Heavens! The train! (Paralysed for an instant.) The axe!!!

Snorkey. Cut the woodwork! Don't mind the lock—cut round it! How my neck tingles! (A blow at door is heard.) Courage! (Another.) Courage! (The steam whistle heard again—nearer, and rumble of train on track. Another blow.) That's a true woman! Courage! (Noise of locomotive heard—with whistle. A last blow; the door swings open, mutilated—the lock hanging—and appears, axe in hand.)

Snorkey. Here—quick ! (She runs and unfastens him. The locomotive lights glare on scene.) Victory! Saved! Hooray! ( leans exhausted against switch.) And these are the women who ain't to have a vote!

(As takes his head from the track, the train of cars rushes fast with roar and whistle from  to