The Mousetrap

LOMBARD. Only eight little Indian boys here. I suppose that’s coincidence too. What do you think, Blore?

BLORE. I don’t like it.

ARMSTRONG. But there’s nobody on the island.

BLORE. I’m not so sure of that.

ARMSTRONG. This is terrible.

MACKENZIE. None of us will ever leave this island.

BLORE. Can’t somebody shut up Grandpa?

LOMBARD. Don’t you agree with me, Sir Lawrence?

WARGRAVE. (Slowly) Up to a point—yes.

LOMBARD. Then the sooner we get to work the better. Come on, Armstrong. Come on, Blore. We’ll make short work of it.

BLORE. I’m ready. Nobody’s got a revolver, by any chance? I suppose that’s too much to hope for.

LOMBARD. I’ve got one. (Takes it out of pocket.)

BLORE. (BLORE’s eyes open rather wide. An idea occurs to him—not a pleasant one.) Always carry that about with you?

LOMBARD. Usually. I’ve been in some tight places, you know.

BLORE. Oh. Well, you’ve probably never been in a tighter place than you are today. If there’s a homicidal maniac hiding on this island, he’s probably got a whole arsenal on him—and he’ll use it.

ARMSTRONG. You may be wrong there, Blore. Many homicidal maniacs are very quiet, unassuming people.

WARGRAVE. Delightful fellows!

ARMSTRONG. You’d never guess there was anything wrong with them.

BLORE. If Mr. Owen turns out to be one of that kind, we’ll leave him to you, Doctor. Now then, let’s make a start. I suggest Captain Lombard searches the house while we do the island.

LOMBARD. Right. House ought to be easy. No sliding panels or secret doors. (Goes up Right towards study.)

BLORE. Mind he doesn’t get you before you get him!

LOMBARD. Don’t worry. But you two had better stick together—Remember—“One got left behind.”

BLORE. Come on, Armstrong.

(They go along and out up Right.)

WARGRAVE. (Rises) A very energetic young man, Captain Lombard.

VERA. (To up Left) Don’t you think he’s right? If someone is hiding on the island, they’ll be bound to find him. It’s practically bare rock.

WARGRAVE. I think this problem needs brains to solve it. Rather than brawn. (Goes up Right on balcony.)

VERA. Where are you going?

WARGRAVE. I’m going to sit in the sun—and think, my dear young lady. (Goes up Right on balcony.)

EMILY. Where did I put the skein of wool? (Gets up and comes down Right.)

VERA. Did you leave it upstairs? Shall I go and see if I can find it?

EMILY. No, I’ll go. I know where it’s likely to be. (Goes out Left 1.)

VERA. I’m glad Captain Lombard has got a revolver.

MACKENZIE. They’re all wasting time—wasting time.

VERA. Do you think so?

MACKENZIE. Yes, it’s much better to sit quietly—and wait.

VERA. Wait for what? (Sits Left sofa.)

MACKENZIE. For the end, of course. (There is a pause.MACKENZIErises, opens and shuts both doors Left.) I wish I could find Lesley.

VERA. Your wife?

MACKENZIE. (Crosses up Right. Below Right sofa) Yes. I wish you’d known her. She was so pretty. So gay—

VERA. Was she?

MACKENZIE. I loved her very much. Of course, I was a lot older than she was. She was only twenty-seven, you know. (Pause) Arthur Richmond was twenty-six. He was my ADC. (Pause) Lesley liked him. They used to talk of music and plays together, and she teased him and made fun of him. I was pleased. I thought she took a motherly interest in the boy. (Suddenly toVERA, confidentially) Damn fool, wasn’t I? No fool like an old fool. (A long pause) Exactly like a book the way I found out. When I was out in France. She wrote to both of us, and she put the letters in the wrong envelope. (He nods his head) So I knew—

VERA. (In pity) Oh, no.

MACKENZIE. (Sits Right sofa) It’s all right, my dear. It’s a long time ago. But you see I loved her very much—and believed in her. I didn’t say anything to him—I let it gather inside—here—(Strikes chest) a slow, murderous rage—Damned young hypocrite—I’d liked the boy—trusted him.

VERA. (Trying to break spell) I wonder what the others are doing?

MACKENZIE. I sent him to his death—

VERA. Oh—