Richard (to Christopher) This creature’s a tenant of yours? Is this how your tenants behave?

Con No need for raised voices. Just pick up your things and leave.

Richard Are you going to allow this highwayman to insult you and defy you?

Christopher Let’s all keep calm.

Richard In the presence of that?

Christopher I understood you came here as a volunteer. I now suspect you are here to make a political gesture; to indicate to Richard and me that – for some reason that makes no sense whatever to me – for some reason you object to Dr Gore carrying out his scientific research. You have made your protest. And now I must ask you to – to simply withdraw and we’ll forget that this episode ever took place.

Sally enters.

Sally You called me, Con?

Con These men are leaving. Would you bring their bags down?

Sally Bring their bags down. Certainly, Sir. (She exits.)

Christopher Very well, then. In that case I demand, Michael, that you –

Con Con, Mr Gore.

Christopher This is my house. And you are an intruder –

Richard A damned thug!

Christopher And I order you off my property immediately.

Con There are three men down at the foot of the avenue, Mr Gore. They wanted to come up here with me, but I persuaded them to wait down there.

Richard Chris, don’t remonstrate any more with –

Con They’ll wait there to make sure your guests leave. If they don’t see your guests leave, those three men will come up here.

Perkins (to Richard) Sir, do you want me to –?

Christopher These are my guests! This is my home! And we will not be intimidated by you or your shadowy friends.

Con You’re not being helpful, Mr Gore.

Christopher I’ve had a bellyful of this. I know very well who you are, Doherty, and I know something about your dubious activities, and I assure you this behaviour won’t go unpunished.

Con I’ve told you – we have no quarrel with you, Sir. All we ask is that these men leave.

Christopher And they will not leave! No, Sir, they will not leave!

Con You don’t know the men down at the gates, Mr Gore. Temperate men in normal times; but they find this measuring business offensive – as I do myself.

Sally returns.

Sally They’re in the hall, Con.

Con Thank you. (to Christopher) One of the men you might know of: he has suddenly acquired some little fame – notoriety maybe – around here. And all because a fistful of hair was pulled out of his head – from just here – exactly four weeks ago today.

David and Margaret emerge from the house.

Con Good afternoon, David.

David What’s the trouble, Con? Is something the matter?

Con I don’t think there is any trouble – is there?

Richard Help us fling this bully out, David.

Margaret Do something, David. You have got to step in here.

David What’s the matter, Father?