Captain
Oh, be quiet!
Spruce
When I have a mind to, I can speak better than anybody--
Captain
Wait! Whose trunk is this?
Spruce
Huh! By George, it's yours.
Captain
It doesn't in the least look like mine.
Spruce
For a while, I had the same suspicion as you. But it's got your name
and address on it--and that relieved my mind of any doubt. (puts the
trunk down) Here, read the words very plainly written. To McNaughten,
London.
Captain
True, but wait a bit,--what do you say to this? It's not my
handwriting. Therefore, it is not my trunk.
Spruce
You're right. But it resembles your handwriting a great deal.
Captain
You acted impulsively in taking this trunk.
Spruce
But, sir, do you take me for a fool? In returning from Flanders, where
you had an abrupt discharge from your regiment, did I not put the
trunk, at your instruction, on a stage coach bound for London, so that
we might travel more quickly. And didn't I obey you? I've done
everything right in this whole business. No reproaches, please.
Captain
We'll soon see whether this was your fault or not. Open it up and
let's try to get to the bottom of this mystery.
Spruce (taking out a ring of keys)
Sir, in a second, I am going to satisfy you. (trying a key) My
goodness! The key doesn't fit.
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