Chapter 42

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' yer 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----