Now one thing I have to tell you. In this particular show you have to be armed to enforce your authority. But you’re not to use your weapon under any circumstances. Under any circumstances. Is that quite clear?

COMRADE. Not in self-defense?

PHILIP. Not under any circumstances.

COMRADE. I see. And what are my orders?

PHILIP. Go down and take yourself a walk. Then come back here and take a room and register. When you have the room stop by here and let me know what room it is, and I’ll tell you what to do. You’ll have to spend most of your time in your room today.

[He pauses]

Have a good walk. Might have a glass of beer. There’s beer today at the Aguilar places.

COMRADE WILKINSON. I don’t drink, Comrade.

PHILIP. Quite right. Excellent. We of the older generation have certain leprous spots of vice which can hardly be eradicated at this date. But you are an example to us. Get along now.

COMRADE WILKINSON. Yes, Comrade.

[He salutes and goes out]

PHILIP. [After he has gone] Awful pity. Yes. An awful pity.

[The telephone rings]

Yes? Here speaking. Good. No. I’m sorry. Later.

[He hangs up the phone…. The phone rings again]

Oh, hello. Yes. I’m awfully sorry. What a shame. I will. Yes. Later.

[He hangs up. The phone rings again]

Oh, hello. Oh, I am sorry, I really am. What do you say to little later? No? Good man. Come in and we’ll get it over with.

[There is a knock at the door]

Come on in.

[Enter PRESTON. He has a bandaged eyebrow and look none too well]

I am sorry, you know.

PRESTON. What good does that do? You behaved disgustingly.

PHILIP. Right. Now what can I do?

[Spoken very flatly]

I said I was sorry.

PRESTON. Well, you might take off my dressing gown and slippers.

PHILIP. [Taking them off] Good.

[He hands them over]

[Regretfully]

You wouldn’t sell the robe, would you? It’s nice stuff.

PRESTON. No. And now get out of my room.

PHILIP. Do we have to do the whole thing over again?

PRESTON. If you won’t get out I’ll ring and have you thrown out.

PHILIP. Better ring, then.

[PRESTON rings. PHILIP goes into the bathroom. There is a sound of water splashing. There is a knock at the door and the MANAGER enters]

MANAGER. Nothing is all right?

PRESTON. I want you to call the police and have this man removed from my room.