{Starkweather}
(_With one last questioning glance at Margaret, who remains impa.s.sive._) Yes, I did. Have you been in that other room all the time?
{Dobleman}
Yes, sir.
{Starkweather}
Did anybody pa.s.s through and enter this room?
{Dobleman}
No, sir.
{Starkweather}
Very well. We"ll see what the maid has to say.
(_He presses b.u.t.ton once._) Margaret, I give you one last chance.
{Margaret}
I have told you that if I leave this room, I shall not take them with me.
(_Maid enters from right rear and advances._)
{Starkweather}
Has anybody come into this room from the hall in the last few minutes?
{Maid}
No, sir; not since Mrs. Chalmers came in.
{Starkweather}
How do you know?
{Maid}
I was in the hall, sir, dusting all the time.
{Starkweather}
That will do.
(_Maid makes exit to right rear._) Dobleman, a very unusual thing has occurred.
Mrs. Chalmers and I have been alone in this room. Those letters stolen by Gherst had been returned to me by Hubbard but the moment before. They were on my desk. I turned my back for a moment to go to the safe. When I came back they were gone.
{Dobleman}
(_Embarra.s.sed._) Yes, sir.
{Starkweather}
Mrs. Chalmers took them. She has them now.
{Dobleman}
(_Attempts to speak, stammers._) Er--er--yes, sir
{Starkweather}
I want them back. What is to be done?
(_Dobleman remains in hopeless confusion._) Well!
{Dobleman}
(_Speaking hurriedly and hopefully._) S-send for Mr. Hubbard. He got them for you before.
{Starkweather}
A good suggestion. Telephone for him. You should find him at the Press Club.
(_Dobleman starts to make exit to right._) Don"t leave the room.
Use this telephone. (_Indicating desk telephone._) (_Dobleman moves around to left of desk and uses telephone standing up._) From now on no one leaves the room. If my daughter can be guilty of such a theft, it is plain I can trust no one--no one.
{Dobleman}
(_Speaking in transmitter._) Red 6-2-4. Yes, please.
(_Waits._)
{Starkweather}
(_Rising._) Call Senator Chalmers as well. Tell him to come immediately.
{Dobleman}
Yes, sir--immediately.
{Starkweather}
(_Starting to cross stage to center and speaking to Margaret._) Come over here.