Theft Part 31

No.

{Starkweather}

(_Looking at her searchingly._) A most unprecedented thing has occurred. When I went to the safe a moment ago, I left these doc.u.ments on the cover of the dispatch box. n.o.body has been in the room but you. The doc.u.ments are gone. Give them to me.

{Margaret}

I have not been out of the room.

{Starkweather}

I know that. Give them to me.

(_A pause._) You have them. Give them to me

{Margaret}

I haven't them.

{Starkweather}

That is a lie. Give them to me.

{Margaret}

(_Rising._) I tell you I haven't them--

{Starkweather}

(_Also rising._) That is a lie.

{Margaret}

(_Turning and starting to cross room._) Very well, if you do not believe me--

{Starkweather}

(_Interrupting._) Where are you going?

{Margaret}

Home.

{Starkweather}

(_Imperatively._) No, you are not. Come back here.

(_Margaret comes back and stands by chair._) You shall not leave this room. Sit down.

{Margaret}

I prefer to stand.

{Starkweather}

Sit down.

(_She still stands, and he grips her by arm, forcing her down into chair._) Sit down. Before you leave this room you shall return those doc.u.ments. This is more important than you realize. It transcends all ordinary things of life as you have known it, and you will compel me to do things far harsher than you can possibly imagine. I can forget that you are a daughter of mine. I can forget that you are even a woman. If I have to tear them from you, I shall get them. Give them to me.

(_A pause._) What are you going to do?

(_Margaret shrugs her shoulders._) What have you to say?

(_Margaret again shrugs her shoulders._) What have you to say?

{Margaret}

Nothing.

{Starkweather}

(_Puzzled, changing tactics, sitting down, and talking calmly._) Let us talk this over quietly. You have no shred of right of any sort to those doc.u.ments. They are mine. They were stolen by a sneak thief from my private files. Only this morning--a few minutes ago--did I get them back. They are mine, I tell you. They belong to me. Give them back.

{Margaret}

I tell you I haven't them.

{Starkweather}

You have got them about you, somewhere, concealed in your breast there. It will not save you. I tell you I shall have them. I warn you. I don't want to proceed to extreme measures. Give them to me.

(_He starts to press desk-b.u.t.ton, pauses, and looks at her._) Well?

(_Margaret shrugs her shoulders._) (_He presses b.u.t.ton twice._) I have sent for Dobleman. You have one chance before he comes. Give them to me.

{Margaret}

Father, will you believe me just this once? Let me go. I tell you I haven't the doc.u.ments. I tell you that if you let me leave this room, I shall not carry them away with me. I tell you this on my honor. Do you believe me? Tell me that you do believe me.

{Starkweather}

I do believe you. You say they are not on you. I believe you. Now tell me where they are--you have them hidden somewhere--(_Glancing about room._)--And you can go at once.

(_Dobleman enters from right and advances to desk. Starkweather and Margaret remains silent._)

{Dobleman}

You rang for me.