The fewer on the streets the better. D'ye catch my meaning? And,
Richard, one word more. You can see the ships from here. The work we'll
do will take but twenty minutes. If we succeed, I'll send you a signal.
I'll wave this lantern three times in the darkness.

RICHARD.
Bless you, Tom Rigby.

[Richard is left alone, and goes to seat by fire.

RICHARD
(dreaming aloud).
First they'll go to the wharves...stealing quietly through the
darkness. Then there'll be the muffled dip of oars...and then----Oh,
would that I could aid them in this hour! But I am impotent, impotent!

PENROSE
(querulously, as he and Marsh enter).
This tavern's still deserted. Is there naught alive in this town save
the half-dozen Indians we've met a-prowling the streets! Where's the
landlord?
RICHARD
(mock-humble).
He's absent, sir, on business of importance. But he will soon return.
If I may serve you--some cider, sir, or steaming lemon punch?

PENROSE
(haughtily).
Let it be punch, and see that it is steaming.