Chapter 40

BRODIE, LAWSON, LESLIE

LAWSON. This is an unco’ time to come to your door; but eh, laddie, I couldna bear to think o’ ye sittin’ your lane in the dark.

LESLIE. It was very good of you.

LAWSON. I’m no very fond of playing hidee in the dark mysel’; and noo that I’m here—

LESLIE. I will give you a light. (_He lights the candles_. _Lights up_.)

LAWSON. God A’michty! William Brodie!

LESLIE. Yes, Brodie was good enough to watch with me.

LAWSON. But he gaed awa’ . . . I dinna see . . . an’ Lord be guid to us, the window’s open!

LESLIE. A trap we laid for them: a device of Brodie’s.

BRODIE (_to_ LAWSON). Set a thief to catch a thief. (_Passing to_ LESLIE, _aside_.) Walter Leslie, God will reward. (JEAN _signals again_.)

LAWSON. I dinna like that singin’ at siccan a time o’ the nicht.

BRODIE. I must go.

LAWSON. Not one foot o’ ye. I’m ower glad to find ye in guid hands. Ay, ye dinna ken how glad.

BRODIE (_aside to_ LESLIE). Get me out of this. There’s a man there will stick at nothing.

LESLIE. Mr. Lawson, Brodie has done his shift. Why should we keep him? (JEAN _appears at the door_, _and signs to_ BRODIE.)

LAWSON. Hoots! this is my trade. That’s a bit o’ ‘Wanderin’ Willie.’ I’ve had it before me in precognitions; that same stave has been used for a signal by some o’ the very warst o’ them.

BRODIE (_aside to_ LESLIE). Get me out of this. I’ll never forget to-night. (JEAN _at door again_.)

LESLIE. Well, good-night, Brodie. When shall we meet again?

LAWSON. Not one foot o’ him. (JEAN _at door_.) I tell you, Mr. Leslie—