Part 10

Medora. Sleep--I’ll hold watch, so shall no harm befall him. Holding the watch, I shall know when to call him.

Soft music.--Enter YUSSUF and BIRBANTO, stealthily, R.

Birb. There lies the man of mystery, dark and deep, So slow when waking--yet how fast asleep! Now is your time--quick to your task allotted. [Gives him scarf.

Yussuf. Slick as greased light’ning. [Throws scarf over MEDORA’S head.

Birb. Cleverly garrotted.

Medora. [Struggling:] Help! Murder!

Birb. Silence her--choke--muzzle--gag her. Or, stay--let me assist you with a dagger.

Yussuf. No. No.

Medora. Help! Conrad!

Yussuf. Silence--come along! [Drags her out, R.

Medora. Help!

Birb. [Calling after him.] Get a pitch-plaster and pitch it strong.

Enter CORSAIRS, L.

1st Cors. What noise was that? A cry for help we heard--

Birb. [Aside.] So just in time--[aloud]--a cry--pooh! pooh! absurd!

2d Cors. I’m sure I heard a voice for aid imploring--

Birb. Pshaw! you’re mistaken--’twas our captain snoring.

1st Cors. [Seeing CONRAD.] Conrad asleep!

Birb. Yes, that’s a pretty way For a great pirate chief to pass the day! Hear me, my friends--our captain is a do.

1st Cors. How?

Birb. Not the leader for brave men like you.

1st Cors. Nay, have a care how Conrad you abuse--

Birb. A spooney humbug--always in the blues-- Pining and sighing--

2d Cors. Well, that’s true enough-- He is too sentimental.

Birb. He’s a muff! Not fit to be our leader.

1st Cors. P’raps you’re right.

Birb. Didn’t he leave us all on shore, last night, To get home as we could?

2d Cors. That was a fault.