The Mousetrap

DOCTOR. No, I don’t think he did, but there are one or two sensible people on the jury—I think. (He moves down L) That fat woman in the funny hat listened to every word you were saying about Helen, and I noticed her nodding her head in complete agreement. She probably has a husband who went off the rails with a young girl. You never know what queer things influence people.

The telephone rings.

KARL. (rising) This time it must be.

TheDOCTORmoves to the telephone and lifts the receiver.

DOCTOR. (into the telephone) Hello? . . .

LESTERenters upCfromL, carrying a tray with three cups of coffee on it. The coffee has slopped into the saucers.

KARL. Well?

LESTER. Is that . . . ? (He puts the tray on the table RC and pours the coffee into the cup from one of the saucers)

DOCTOR. (into the telephone) No . . . No, I’m afraid he can’t. (He slams down the receiver) Another of the ghouls. (He crosses to the sofa and sits)

KARL. What can they hope to get out of it?

DOCTOR. Increased circulation, I suppose.

LESTER. (handing a cup of coffee toKARL) I hope it’s all right. It took me some time to find everything.

KARL. Thank you. (He crosses to the desk chair and sits)

LESTERhands a cup of coffee to theDOCTOR, then takes his own and standsRC. They sip their coffee. There is quite a pause.

DOCTOR. Have you ever seen herons flying low over a river bank?

LESTER. No, I don’t think I have. Why?

DOCTOR. No reason.

LESTER. What put it into your head?

DOCTOR. I’ve no idea. Just wishing, I suppose, that all this wasn’t true and that I was somewhere else.

LESTER. Yes, I can see that. (He moves upC) It’s so awful, not being able to do anything.

DOCTOR. Nothing’s so bad as waiting.

LESTER. (after a pause) I don’t believe, you know, that I’ve ever seen a heron.

DOCTOR. Very graceful birds.

KARL. Doctor, I want you to do something for me.

DOCTOR. (rising) Yes? What is it?

KARL. I want you to go back to the court.

DOCTOR. (crossing toKARLand putting his cup on the work-table as he passes) No, Karl.

KARL. Yes, I know that you promised. But I want you to go back.

DOCTOR. Karl—Lisa . . .

KARL. If the worst happens, I would like Lisa to be able to see you there. And if it isn’t the worst—well, then she’ll need someone to look after her, to get her away, to bring her here.

TheDOCTORstares atKARLfor a moment or two.

I know I’m right.

DOCTOR. (deciding) Very well.

LESTER. (to theDOCTOR) I can stay and . . .

KARLlooks at theDOCTORand shakes his head very slightly. TheDOCTORis quick to take the hint.

DOCTOR. No, you come with me, Lester. (He moves upC) There are times when a man has got to be alone. That’s right, isn’t it, Karl?

KARL. Don’t worry about me. I want to stay here quietly with Anya.

DOCTOR. (pulling round sharply as he is on his way to the door) What did you say? With Anya?

KARL. Did I say that? That’s what it seems like. Leave me here. I shan’t answer the telephone if it rings. I shall wait now until you come.

LESTERexits upC. TheDOCTORfollows him off and closes the door.KARLleans back in his chair. The clock chimes six.

“While the light lasts I shall remember,

And in the darkness I shall not forget.”