RAT. Only one! (_to POSTLETHWAITE_) I understood you to say there were--
POS. (_interrupting him_) Yes, yes. (_aside to him_) Of course, she doesn't know how many there were, because as soon as she saw _one_ she fainted.
MRS. S. (_aside_) That voice again--I must be mistaken--yet, every word he utters--(_looking again fixedly at RATCLIFFE_)
RAT. (_C., to MRS. S._) You have not answered my question, madam.
MRS. S. I can only say, sir, that on being left alone, I was disturbed by a slight noise, and on turning round, he stood before me--as you do.
RAT. A bold and impudent villain, evidently. I can easily conceive your alarm, madam, but luckily your cousin here on hearing your piercing shrieks, (_POSTLETHWAITE pulls his coat tail_) rushes to your assistance, and with one blow of his masculine fist--
POS. (_stopping him, and aside_) That'll do--don't remind her of that terrific scene, it distresses her.
RAT. (_smiling again_) True. (_to MRS. S._) Then, madam, you would probably be able to identify this audacious criminal?
MRS. S. (_with intention_) Not with absolute certainty, sir.
RAT. That's strange too, considering the length of time you were struggling with him.
POS. Yes, yes. (_aside to him_) That'll do--she can't bear it.
MRS. S. (_still with intention_) And were I to act upon my present _suspicions,_ however well grounded they may appear, I might be the means of compromising--
MRS. S. (_looking at him_) One perhaps, whose position in society----
RAT. Nay, madam--as the representative of the law, I tell you that it matters not what his social position may be, we must not mince matters.
POS. Certainly not. I'd rather mince him. Fifteen thousand pounds is a lump of money.
RAT. (_with pretended astonishment_) Fifteen thousand pounds--the unconscionable scoundrel!--one moment (_writing in the pocket book_)--amount stolen--fifteen thousand pounds; number of robbers----
POS. (_aside to him_) Uncertain! as there seems to be a little difference of opinion between cousin and me upon that point. You'd better say "uncertain."
RAT. (_to MRS. S._) Bank notes, I presume?
MRS. S. (_aside_) 'Tis he, I'm sure of it (_hastily and aside to POSTLETHWAITE, while RATCLIFFE is examining the writing desk_)--tell me, do you say you know him?