wife.

THE CALIFORNIAN (getting out of the berth, but at the same time keeping
hold of MR. ROBERTS). Thought I was your _wife_! Do I look like your
wife? You can't play that on me, old man. Porter! conductor!

MR. ROBERTS (agonized). Oh, I beseech you, my dear sir, don't--don't! I
can explain it--I can indeed. I know it has an ugly look; but if you
will allow me two words--only two words--

MRS. ROBERTS (suddenly parting the curtain of her berth, and springing
out into the aisle, with her hair wildly dishevelled). Edward!

MR. ROBERTS. Oh, Agnes, explain to this gentleman! [Imploringly.] Don't
you know me?

A VOICE. Make him show you the strawberry mark on his left arm.

MRS. ROBERTS. Edward! Edward! [THE CALIFORNIAN mechanically looses his
grip, and they fly into each other's embrace.] Where did you come from?

A VOICE. Centre door, left hand, one back.

THE CONDUCTOR (returning with his lantern). Hallo! What's the matter
here?

A VOICE. Train robbers! Throw up your hands! Tell the
express-messenger to bring his safe.

[The passengers emerge from their berths in various deshabille and