Part 18

DOG

(Goes to kennel.)

Now, where’s that fine big bone? (Growls gently; settles down.)

MONKEY

(Yawns.)

Everybody ready for bed?

(Chorus of sleepy growls, meows, whinnies, and squeaks. The Monkey puts a paw on the push button, and the lights go out.)

(As the garden goes dark there is the sound of someone running.)

INSPECTOR

(Calling from the street.)

Doctor! Help! Oh, Doctor! (She rushes through the door.) Doctor, oh, Doctor, where are you? Oh, Doctor, help!

(The Doctor throws open the door of the laboratory, enters, and presses the electric button. The Inspector is standing beside the bench, the Boy in her arms. She wears no hat or coat. Beside her, on the lawn, is a cat, wearing a gay collar, to which is fastened a tiny bell. A dog comes from the kennel, a horse looks through the square opening, and a monkey appears out of the monkey-house.)

(The Doctor is in his shirt-sleeves. He comes down.)

INSPECTOR

My boy! My boy’s dying! He can’t breathe!

DOCTOR

Here! (Takes the Boy in his arms, lays him upon the bench, and leans down to him.)

INSPECTOR

Oh, save him! Save him! Oh, I can’t lose my boy! What can you do?

DOCTOR

Diphtheria! Wait! (Takes the case out of his pocket.)

INSPECTOR

Oh, not that, Doctor! No! No!

DOCTOR

(Brushes the Inspector aside.)

Let me alone! It’s the only thing!

(The Doctor administers the serum to the Boy.)

INSPECTOR