And five 's twelve , and three — fifteen , nineteen , twenty-three , thirty-two , forty-one-and carry four .Five , seven , twelve , seventeen , twenty-four and nine , thirty-three , thirteen and carry one . He again makes a tick . The outer office door is opened , and SWEEDLE , the office-boy , appears , closing the door behind him . He is a pale youth of sixteen , with spiky hair . And carry one . Five , nine , sixteen , twenty-one , twenty-nine — and carry two . Send him to Morris 's . What name ? What 's his business ? A lady ? Ask her in . Take this pass-book to Mr. James . The young man 's out .State your business , please . We do n't allow private callers here . Will you leave a message ? It 's all against the rules . Suppose I had my friends here to see me ! It 'd never do ! Exactly ! And here you are wanting to see a junior clerk ! But this is a lawyer 's office . Go to his private address . Are you related to the party ? I do n't know what to say . It 's no affair of the office . Dear me ! I can n't tell you that . SWEEDLE comes back . He crosses to the outer office and passes through into it , with a quizzical look at Cokeson , carefully leaving the door an inch or two open . This wo n't do , you know , this wo n't do at all . Suppose one of the partners came in ! An incoherent knocking and chuckling is heard from the outer door of the outer office . You must n't take up his time in office hours ; we 're a clerk short as it is . Life and death ! Well , I 'll give you a minute . It 's not regular . Taking up a bundle of papers , he goes out into the partners ’ room . This is n't right , Falder . It 's an improper use of these premises . You quite understand-the party was in some distress ; and , having children with her , I allowed my feelings ——Just take this ! “ Purity in the Home . ” It 's a well-written thing . And look here , Falder , before Mr. Walter comes , have you finished up that cataloguing Davis had in hand before he left ? It 's over a week since Davis went . Now it wo n't do , Falder . You 're neglecting your work for private life . I sha n't mention about the party having called , but —— Morning , Mr. Walter . Mr. James has been here since eleven o'clock . Have you now — ye — es . This lease of Boulter 's — am I to send it to counsel ? ‘ Ave n't bothered him . It 's such a little thing — hardly worth the fees . I thought you 'd do it yourself . Just as you like . This “ right-of-way ” case — we 've got ‘ em on the deeds . We need n't worry about that . We 're the right side of the law . We sha n't want to set ourselves up against the law . Your father would n't waste his time doing that . As he speaks JAMES How comes in from the partners ’ room . He is a shortish man , with white side-whiskers , plentiful grey hair , shrewd eyes , and gold pince-nez . I 'll just take Boulter 's lease in to young Falder to draft the instructions . Ye-es . Nine pounds . No ! Nine pounds . My lunch was just coming in ; and of course I like it hot ; I gave the cheque to Davis to run round to the bank . He brought it back , all gold — you remember , Mr. Walter , you wanted some silver to pay your cab .Here , let me see . You 've got the wrong cheque . He takes cheque-book and pass-book from WALTER . It 's funny . why this 'd be a felony ! No , no ! there 's some mistake . There 's never been anything of that sort in the office the twenty-nine years I 've been here . This has upset me . His poor young wife . I liked the young man . Dear , oh dear ! In this office ! I do n't quite take you , sir . Ye-es !I 'm sorry for that young man . I feel it as if it was my own son , Mr. James . It unsettles you . All goes on regular , and then a thing like this happens . Sha n't relish my lunch to-day . It makes you think .He must have had temptation . I 'd sooner have lost a month 's salary than had this happen . It is n't fifty yards , Mr. James . He wo n't be a minute . Eh ? Impossible . Send her away ! Nothing , Mr. James . A private matter . Here , I 'll come myself .Now , you really must n't — we can n't have anybody just now . Reely ! Reely ! I can n't have it . If you want him , wait about ; he 'll be going out for his lunch directly . Good-morning . Your father 's in there . WALTER crosses and goes into the partners ’ room . It 's a nahsty , unpleasant little matter , Mr. Cowley . I 'm quite ashamed to have to trouble you . Sit down , wo n't you ? I 'm not a sensitive man , but a thing like this about the place — it 's not nice . I like people to be open and jolly together . Of course he 's a young man . I 've told him about it before now — leaving space after his figures , but he will do it . I do n't think we shall be able to show him to you , as a matter of fact . JAMES and WALTER have come back from the partners ’ room . Just a word , Mr. James . You do n't want to upset the young man in there , do you ? He 's a nervous young feller . That 'll look after itself , sir . He 's been upset once this morning ; I do n't want him startled again . Do you keep dogs ? The cashier , with his eyes fixed on the door , does not answer . You have n't such a thing as a bulldog pup you could spare me , I suppose ? At the look on the cashier 's face his jaw drops , and he turns to see FALDER standing in the doorway , with his eyes fixed on COWLEY , like the eyes of a rabbit fastened on a snake . There 's only the window — a whole floor and a basement . The door of FALDER 'S room is quietly opened , and FALDER , with his hat in his hand , moves towards the door of the outer office . Good-morning . The cashier goes out through the outer office . COKESON sits down in his chair , as though it were the only place left in the morass of his feelings . I do n't understand . I thought young Davis —— Step in here a minute . Take your time , take your time . I could n't leave it . No , he sailed on the Monday . How 's that ? FALDER gives a sort of lurch ; he tries to pull himself together , but he has gone all to pieces . Dear , dear ! what a thing to do ! However such a thing could have come into your head ! To break the law like that-in here ! I should n't be surprised if he was tempted . Ye-es , but I 'm speaking of the flesh and the devil , Mr. James . There was a woman come to see him this morning . No , no relation .A married person , though . Brought her children .There they were outside the office . They 're nahsty places-prisons . Of course it is . I did n't say that — extenuating circumstances . That 's rather ‘ ex parte ’ , Mr. Walter ! We must have protection . S'pose I were to have a talk with him . We do n't want to be hard on the young man . We must excuse your father . I do n't want to go against your father ; if he thinks it right . I really can n't say what I feel . He must have known what he was doing . Come , come , Mr. Walter . We must try and see it sensible . Put it down ! While SWEEDLE is putting it down on COKESON 's table , the detective , WISTER , enters the outer office , and , finding no one there , comes to the inner doorway . He is a square , medium-sized man , clean-shaved , in a serviceable blue serge suit and strong boots . Here ! Here ! What are we doing ? Robert Cokeson . Ye-es . Two years . No , I 'm wrong there — all but seventeen days . Except Sundays and holidays . He was a nice , pleasant-spoken young man . I 'd no fault to find with him — quite the contrary . It was a great surprise to me when he did a thing like that . No ! To have dishonesty in our office , that 'd never do . Every man of business knows that honesty 's ‘ the sign qua non ’ . Certainly . We were all very jolly and pleasant together , until this happened . Quite upset me . If you ask me , I do n't think he was quite compos when he did it . Not compos . Well , in my opinion —— such as it is — he was jumpy at the time . The jury will understand my meaning . Ye-es , I will . I have my lunch in from the restaurant , a chop and a potato — saves time . That day it happened to come just as Mr. Walter How handed me the cheque . Well , I like it hot ; so I went into the clerks ’ office and I handed the cheque to Davis , the other clerk , and told him to get change . I noticed young Falder walking up and down . I said to him : “ This is not the Zoological Gardens , Falder . ” Ye-es : “ I wish to God it were ! ” Struck me as funny . I did . His collar was unbuttoned . Now , I like a young man to be neat . I said to him : “ Your collar 's unbuttoned . ” Stared at me . It was n't nice . Ye-es , but it was the look in his eyes . I can n't explain my meaning — it was funny . No . If I had I should have spoken to the partners . We can n't have anything eccentric in our profession . Well , I did n't like to trouble them about prime facey evidence . Ye-es . The clerk Davis could have told you the same . I 'm a little deaf . Ye-es — a woman . Ye-es . Asked to see young Falder ; he was out at the moment . I did . Well , there you put me in a difficulty . I must n't tell you what the office-boy told me . But I think we can get round it . In answer to a question put to her by a third party the woman said to me : “ They 're mine , sir . ” Her children . They were outside . Your lordship must n't ask me that , or I shall have to tell you what I was told — and that 'd never do . Egg-zactly . A leetle more , sir . She did . I should n't like you to have led me to the answer . “ It 's a matter of life and death . ” It 's not the sort of thing you like to have said to you . Ah ! there I can n't follow you . I did n't see her go . No ! I want you to understand . Have you ever seen a dog that 's lost its master ? He was kind of everywhere at once with his eyes . Ye-es , funny . Yes , sir , but what may be funny to you may not be funny to me , or to the jury . Did they look frightened , or shy , or fierce , or what ? You make it very hard for me . I give you the word , and you want me to give you another . Ye-es ; I think it was . Ye-es , I think he did . No ! He was always clean and quiet . The judge is speaking to you . RUTH turns , stares at the JUDGE , and turns away . I 'm sorry to trouble you . I 've been talking to the young man . Name of Falder , forgery .Firm of James and Walter How . Well known in the law . Why ! what a sight ! I wanted to say a word to you ; I sha n't keep you long .Fact is , I ought n't to be here by rights . His sister came to me — he 's got no father and mother — and she was in some distress . “ My husband wo n't let me go and see him , ” she said ; “ says he 's disgraced the family . And his other sister , ” she said , “ is an invalid . ” And she asked me to come . Well , I take an interest in him . He was our junior — I go to the same chapel — and I did n't like to refuse . And what I wanted to tell you was , he seems lonely here . I 'm afraid it 'll prey on my mind . I see a lot of them about working together . But we do n't want to be unreasonable . He 's quite downhearted . I wanted to ask you to let him run about with the others . No . But it 's a pitiful sight . He 's quite a young fellow . I said to him : “ Before a month 's up ” I said , “ you 'll be out and about with the others ; it 'll be a nice change for you . ” “ A month ! ” he said — like that ! “ Come ! ” I said , “ we must n't exaggerate . What 's a month ? Why , it 's nothing ! ” “ A day , ” he said , “ shut up in your cell thinking and brooding as I do , it 's longer than a year outside . I can n't help it , ” he said ; “ I try — but I 'm built that way , Mr. COKESON . ” And , he held his hand up to his face . I could see the tears trickling through his fingers . It was n't nice . No . No .But there 's a party he 's very much attached to , not altogether com-il-fa . It 's a sad story . Ye-es , but I wanted to tell you about that , special . He had hopes they 'd have let her come and see him , but they have n't . Of course he asked me questions . I did my best , but I could n't tell the poor young fellow a lie , with him in here — seemed like hitting him . But I 'm afraid it 's made him worse . Like this . The woman had a nahsty , spiteful feller for a husband , and she 'd left him . Fact is , she was going away with our young friend . It 's not nice — but I 've looked over it . Well , when he was put in here she said she 'd earn her living apart , and wait for him to come out . That was a great consolation to him . But after a month she came to me — I do n't know her personally — and she said : “ I can n't earn the children 's living , let alone my own — I 've got no friends . I 'm obliged to keep out of everybody 's way , else my husband 'd get to know where I was . I 'm very much reduced , ” she said . And she has lost flesh . “ I 'll have to go in the workhouse ! ” It 's a painful story . I said to her : “ No , ” I said , “ not that ! I 've got a wife an ’ family , but sooner than you should do that I 'll spare you a little myself . ” “ Really , ” she said — she 's a nice creature — “ I do n't like to take it from you . I think I 'd better go back to my husband . ” Well , I know he 's a nahsty , spiteful feller — drinks — but I did n't like to persuade her not to . Ye-es , but I 'm sorry now ; it 's upset the poor young fellow dreadfully . And what I wanted to say was : He 's got his three years to serve . I want things to be pleasant for him . But I can n't help thinking that to shut him up there by himself 'll turn him silly . And nobody wants that , I s'pose . I do n't like to see a man cry . I keep dogs . Ye-es . And I say this : I would n't shut one of them up all by himself , month after month , not if he 'd bit me all over . But that 's not the way to make him feel it . It 's the same with dogs . If you treat ‘ em with kindness they 'll do anything for you ; but to shut ‘ em up alone , it only makes ‘ em savage . I know this young feller , I 've watched him for years . He 's eurotic — got no stamina . His father died of consumption . I 'm thinking of his future . If he 's to be kept there shut up by himself , without a cat to keep him company , it 'll do him harm . I said to him : “ Where do you feel it ? ” “ I can n't tell you , Mr. COKESON , ” he said , “ but sometimes I could beat my head against the wall . ” It 's not nice . During this speech the DOCTOR has entered . He is a medium-Sized , rather good-looking man , with a quick eye . He stands leaning against the window . But he 's told me . It 's his state of mind I 'm speaking of . I 'm glad to hear you say that . I do n't want to be unpleasant , but having given him this news , I do feel it 's awkward . I 'm much obliged to you . I thought perhaps seeing him every day you would n't notice it . Of course , what you do n't see does n't trouble you ; but having seen him , I do n't want to have him on my mind . I thought you 'd understand me . I 'm a plain man — never set myself up against authority .Nothing personal meant . Good-morning . As he goes out the three officials do not look at each other , but their faces wear peculiar expressions . There 's just one little thing . This woman — I suppose I must n't ask you to let him see her . It 'd be a rare treat for them both . He 's thinking about her all the time . Of course she 's not his wife . But he 's quite safe in here . They 're a pitiful couple . You could n't make an exception ? I see .Sorry to have troubled you . Why ! it 's you !Quite a stranger ! Must be two years . D'you want to see me ? I can give you a minute . Sit down ! Family well ? I hope things are more comfortable at home . You have n't done anything rash , I hope . I should be sorry if you 'd done anything rash . Well , I 'm glad to have seen you . You 've not heard from the young man , I suppose , since he came out ? I hope he 's well . Dear me ! I 'm sorry to hear that .Did n't they find him a place when his time was up ? I 'm sure I do n't know what I can do for you . I do n't like to be snubby . I know his relations are n't very forthy about him . Perhaps you can do something for him , till he finds his feet . I do n't understand . I 'm a family man — I do n't want to hear anything unpleasant . Excuse me — I 'm very busy . I did hope you 'd have got on better , after you saw me . We must n't be violent , must we ? Then there you were ! And what did you do then ? My dear woman ! We must n't talk like that . Why , what happened then ? Dear ! Oh dear ! I never came across a thing like this . Then you 've both lost your livings ! What a horrible position ! We can n't have anything derogative to the firm . I 'll speak to the partners , but I do n't think they 'll take him , under the circumstances . I do n't really . He should n't have done that until he 's sent for .We 've got a vacancy , as it happens , but I can n't promise anything . Well , I 'll do what I can , but I 'm not sanguine . Now tell him that I do n't want him till I see how things are . Leave your address ?83 Mullingar Street ?Good-morning . What a business ! Was that young Richards coming here to-day after the clerk 's place ? Well , keep him in the air ; I do n't want to see him yet . invent something . Use your brains . Do n't stump him off altogether . No ! Nothing untrue . Say I 'm not here to-day . Exactly . And look here . You remember Falder ? I may be having him round to see me . Now , treat him like you 'd have him treat you in a similar position . That 's right . When a man 's down never hit ‘ im . ‘ Tis n't necessary . Give him a hand up . That 's a metaphor I recommend to you in life . It 's sound policy . Ca n't say anything about that .Who 's there ? Dear me ! That 's very naughty of her . Tell him to call again . I do n't want —— He breaks off as FALDER comes in . FALDER is thin , pale , older , his eyes have grown more restless . His clothes are very worn and loose . SWEEDLE , nodding cheerfully , withdraws . Glad to see you . You 're rather previous .Shake hands ! She 's striking while the iron 's hot .I do n't blame her . She 's anxious . FALDER timidly takes COKESON 's hand and glances towards the partners ’ door . No — not yet ! Sit down !Now you are here I 'd like you to give me a little account of yourself .How 's your health ? I 'm glad to hear that . About this matter . I do n't like doing anything out of the ordinary ; it 's not my habit . I 'm a plain man , and I want everything smooth and straight . But I promised your friend to speak to the partners , and I always keep my word . You 've not got heart disease ? But they got you a place , did n't they ? Easy , my dear fellow , easy ! How was that ? I feel for you — I do really . Are n't your sisters going to do anything for you ? Ye ... es . She told me her husband was n't quite pleased with you . I understand . Will you take the fifteen pound from me ?Quite without prejudice ; I meant it kindly . Oh ! ye ... es — ticket-of-leave ? You are n't looking the thing . I 'm sure we 're all very sorry for you . Come , come , it 's no use calling yourself names . That never did a man any good . Put a face on it . I hope they have n't made a Socialist of you . FALDER is suddenly still , as if brooding over his past self ; he utters a peculiar laugh . You must give them credit for the best intentions . Really you must . Nobody wishes you harm , I 'm sure . There 's nothing there ! We must try and take it quiet . I 'm sure I 've often had you in my prayers . Now leave it to me . I 'll use my gumption and take ‘ em when they 're jolly .COKESONI did n't expect you quite so soon . I 've just been having a talk with this young man . I think you 'll remember him . Just a word , Mr. James .You might go in there a minute . You know your way . Our junior wo n't be coming this morning . His wife 's just had a little family . FALDER , goes uncertainly out into the clerks ’ office . I 'm bound to tell you all about it . He 's quite penitent . But there 's a prejudice against him . And you 're not seeing him to advantage this morning ; he 's under-nourished . It 's very trying to go without your dinner . I wanted to ask you . He 's had his lesson . Now we know all about him , and we want a clerk . There is a young fellow applying , but I 'm keeping him in the air . He 's had one or two places , but he has n't kept them . He 's sensitive — quite natural . Seems to fancy everybody 's down on him . I 'm glad to hear you say that . He seems to see somethinground him . ‘ Tis n't healthy . That ! Well , I can n't keep anything from you . He has met her . No . I do n't know that of my own knowledge . ‘ Tis n't my business . I ought to tell you , perhaps . I 've had the party here this morning . The two things together make it very awkward for you — I see that . Will you — have him in ?I think I can get him to see reason . I 'm sure you did . He 's putting it awkwardly , Mr. James . I told you he wanted nourishment . I do n't think we need consider that — it 's rather far-fetched . You do n't take me , Mr. Walter . I have my reasons . No , Mr. James . She 's not been quite what she ought to ha ’ been , while this young man 's been away . She 's lost her chance . We can n't consult how to swindle the Law . FALDER has come from the window . The three men look at him in a sort of awed silence . What is it ? There 's a dear woman . There 's some one out there .Go in here . You 'll feel better by yourself for a minute . He points to the clerks ’ room and moves towards the outer office . FALDER does not move . RUTH puts out her hand timidly . He shrinks back from the touch . She turns and goes miserably into the clerks ’ room . With a brusque movement he follows , seizing her by the shoulder just inside the doorway . COKESON shuts the door . We 're not responsible for his movements ; you know that . We 're very busy at the moment . If you could make it convenient to call again we might be able to tell you then . I 'm sorry we could n't give you the information . You quite understand , do n't you ? Good-morning ! WISTER turns to go , but instead of going to the door of the outer office he goes to the door of the clerks ’ room . The other door .... the other door ! WISTER opens the clerks ’ door . RUTHS 's voice is heard : “ Oh , do ! ” and FALDER 'S : “ I can n't ! ” There is a little pause ; then , with sharp fright , RUTH says : “ Who 's that ? ” WISTER has gone in . The three men look aghast at the door . WISTERKeep back , please ! He comes swiftly out with his arm twisted in FALDER 'S . The latter gives a white , staring look at the three men . Here , my dear ! There , there ! I 've got sherry . Here ! It 's good strong sherry .There is the sound of feet , and they stop to listen . The outer door is reopened — WISTER and SWEEDLE are seen carrying some burden . There , there , poor dear woman ! At the sound behind her RUTH faces round at him . No one 'll touch him now ! Never again ! He 's safe with gentle Jesus ! RUTH stands as though turned to stone in the doorway staring at COKESON , who , bending humbly before her , holds out his hand as one would to a lost dog . The curtain falls .