BROOKY:  (Taking paper and pencil from pockets after a search for them.) This is more like being a Scotland Yarder than a reporter.

PERKINS:  A Scotland Yarder!

BROOKY:  I should say detective.

PERKINS:  (Coming L.) Let me tell you something, Brooky.  The reporters and newspapers unravel more cases than the police.

BROOKY:  I dare say you do.  You’re so damned inquisitive.

PERKINS:  It isn’t inquisitiveness, my boy, it’s just being on the level with the public.

BROOKY:  (Laughing.) You know, some great man said, “The public be damned.”

PERKINS:  He wasn’t a great man, he was an ignorant man.  The public will stand for just so much, then look out; let your mind wander back to the history of the French Revolution.  An infuriated public is the most ferocious blood-lapping animal in the earth’s jungle.

BROOKY:  Perky, I adore your descriptive talents.

PERKINS:  (Going up into vestibule and ringing bell.) You make me sick.

BROOKY:  But surely you’re not going to enter that apartment house unannounced?

PERKINS:  No, I’ll tell them a couple of reporters want some news, then you’ll hear language no paper can print.

BROOKY:  Why, are they all foreigners?

PERKINS:  Say, Brooky, you’re a perfect ass.

BROOKY:  No, my dear fellow, none of us are perfect.

PERKINS:  (Coming down out of vestibule to BROOKY.) Now listen, I told you that I had inside information that the EEL and GOLDIE were to be released, that’s why I hustled you over here.  I could have come alone, but I let you in on a big scoop for your paper.

BROOKY:  Righto, old chap, righto; but what bothers me is, what’s it all about?

PERKINS:  It’s about time you got next to yourself.

BROOKY:  Another impossible metaphor, my dear fellow; how can one get next to one’s self without being twins?

PERKINS:  Brooky, Englishmen as a rule are thick, but you are a density of thickness that is impenetrable.

BROOKY:  Yes, I know I am a rare sort.

PERKINS:  Now, we haven’t time to argue a lot of piffle.  The girl isn’t in yet, there’s no answer to my ring, so let’s stroll around and come back later. (Exit R.)

BROOKY:  (Not seeing that PERKINS has gone.) Righto! old man, we’ll stroll, for if there’s anything that I like, its having a nice little—­(Seeing that PERKINS is gone.) Perkins! you said stroll.  Don’t run, don’t run, it’s so damned undignified. (Exit R.) (Enter L., O’MARA dressed in citizen’s clothes.  He looks at number on house then motions off for TOM to come on.  TOM comes on L., they go up into vestibule and look for names on bells.  Enter Officer FLYNN, stealthily.)

FLYNN:  Come on, now, you don’t live there, I’ve had my eye on you for five minutes.

O’MARA:  (Coming down from vestibule to FLYNN.) Well, keep your eye on something else, if you know what’s good for you. (Takes badge out of pocket.)