and the two STRANGERS come in.]

FELLOWS. I'll inform Mrs. Hillcrist, sir. The Squire is on his
rounds. [He goes out Left.]

[The THREE MEN gather in a discreet knot at the big bureau,
having glanced at the two doors and the open French window.]

DAWKER. Now this may come into Court, you know. If there's a screw
loose anywhere, better mention it. [To SECOND STRANGE] You knew
her personally?

SECOND S. What do you think? I don't, take girls on trust for that
sort of job. She came to us highly recommended, too; and did her
work very well. It was a double stunt--to make sure--wasn't it,
George?

FIRST S. Yes; we paid her for the two visits.

SECOND S. I should know her in a minute; striking looking girl; had
something in her face. Daresay she'd seen hard times.

FIRST S. We don't want publicity.

DAWKER. Not Likely. The threat'll do it; but the stakes are heavy
--and the man's a slugger; we must be able to push it home. If you
can both swear to her, it'll do the trick.

SECOND S. And about--I mean, we're losing time, you know, coming
down here.