O great heavens!
ALBERT.
[In a childish, plaintive voice.]
What is it, Toffy ?
BILL.
Albert, it is that obscene idol [in a whisper] come from India.
ALBERT.
It is gone.
BILL.
It has taken its eye.
SNIGGERS.
We are saved.
OFF, A VOICE.
[ With outlandish accent.]
Meestaire William Jones, Able Seaman.
[The Toff has never spoken, never moved. He only gazes stupidly in horror.]
BILL.
Albert, Albert, what is this ?
[He rises and walks out. One moan is heard. Sniggers goes to window. He falls back sickly.] ALBERT.
[In a whisper.]
What has happened ?
SNIGGERS.
I have seen it. I have seen it. O I have seen it.
[He returns to table.]
THE TOFF.
[Laying his hand very gently on Sniggers' arm, speaking softly and winningly.]
What was it, Sniggers ?
SNIGGERS.
I have seen it.
ALBERT.
What ?
SNIGGERS.
O!
VOICE.
Meestaire Albert Thomas, Able Seaman.
ALBERT.
Must I go, Toffy ? Toffy, must I go ?
SNIGGERS.
[Clutching him.]
Don't move.
ALBERT.
[Going.]
Toffy, Toffy.
[Exit.]
VOICE.
Meestaire Jacob Smith, Able Seaman.
SNIGGERS.
I can't go, Toffy. I can't go. I can't do it.
[He goes.]
VOICE.
Meestaire Arnold Everett Scott-Fortescue, late Esquire, Able Seaman.
THE TOFF.
I did not foresee it.
[Exit.]
CURTAIN.