The Mousetrap and Other Plays by Agatha Christie

himself”—overslept himself—
    The last part fits Mrs. Rogers rather well, doesn’t it?
    VERA . You don’t think—Do you mean that he wants to kill us all?
    LOMBARD . Yes, I think he does.
    VERA . And each one fits with the rhyme!
    ARMSTRONG . No, no, it’s impossible. It’s coincidence. It must be coincidence.
    LOMBARD . Only eight little Indian boys here. I suppose that’s coincidence too. What do you think, Blore?
    BLORE . I don’t like it.
    ARMSTRONG . But there’s nobody on the island.
    BLORE . I’m not so sure of that.
    ARMSTRONG . This is terrible.
    MACKENZIE . None of us will ever leave this island.
    BLORE . Can’t somebody shut up Grandpa?
    LOMBARD . Don’t you agree with me, Sir Lawrence?
    WARGRAVE . ( Slowly ) Up to a point—yes.
    LOMBARD . Then the sooner we get to work the better. Come on, Armstrong. Come on, Blore. We’ll make short work of it.
    BLORE . I’m ready. Nobody’s got a revolver, by any chance? I suppose that’s too much to hope for.
    LOMBARD . I’ve got one. ( Takes it out of pocket. )
    BLORE . ( BLORE ’s eyes open rather wide. An idea occurs to him—not a pleasant one. ) Always carry that about with you?
    LOMBARD . Usually. I’ve been in some tight places, you know.
    BLORE . Oh. Well, you’ve probably never been in a tighter place than you are today. If there’s a homicidal maniac hiding on this island, he’s probably got a whole arsenal on him—and he’ll use it.
    ARMSTRONG . You may be wrong there, Blore. Many homicidal maniacs are very quiet, unassuming people.
    WARGRAVE . Delightful fellows!
    ARMSTRONG . You’d never guess there was anything wrong with them.
    BLORE . If Mr. Owen turns out to be one of that kind, we’ll leave him to you, Doctor. Now then, let’s make a start. I suggest Captain Lombard searches the house while we do the island.
    LOMBARD . Right. House ought to be easy. No sliding panels or secret doors. ( Goes up Right towards study. )
    BLORE . Mind he doesn’t get you before you get him!
    LOMBARD . Don’t worry. But you two had better stick together—Remember—“One got left behind.”
    BLORE . Come on, Armstrong.
    ( They go along and out up Right. )
    WARGRAVE . ( Rises ) A very energetic young man, Captain Lombard.
    VERA . ( To up Left ) Don’t you think he’s right? If someone is hiding on the island, they’ll be bound to find him. It’s practically bare rock.
    WARGRAVE . I think this problem needs brains to solve it. Rather than brawn. ( Goes up Right on balcony. )
    VERA . Where are you going?
    WARGRAVE . I’m going to sit in the sun—and think, my dear young lady. ( Goes up Right on balcony. )
    EMILY . Where did I put the skein of wool? ( Gets up and comes down Right. )
    VERA . Did you leave it upstairs? Shall I go and see if I can find it?
    EMILY . No, I’ll go. I know where it’s likely to be. ( Goes out Left 1. )
    VERA . I’m glad Captain Lombard has got a revolver.
    MACKENZIE . They’re all wasting time—wasting time.
    VERA . Do you think so?
    MACKENZIE . Yes, it’s much better to sit quietly—and wait.
    VERA . Wait for what? ( Sits Left sofa. )
    MACKENZIE . For the end, of course. ( There is a pause. MACKENZIE rises, opens and shuts both doors Left. ) I wish I could find Lesley.
    VERA . Your wife?
    MACKENZIE . ( Crosses up Right. Below Right sofa ) Yes. I wish you’d known her. She was so pretty. So gay—
    VERA . Was she?
    MACKENZIE . I loved her very much. Of course, I was a lot older than she was. She was only twenty-seven, you know. ( Pause ) Arthur Richmond was twenty-six. He was my ADC. ( Pause ) Lesley liked him. They used to talk of music and plays together, and she teased him and made fun of him. I was pleased. I thought she took a motherly interest in the boy. ( Suddenly to VERA , confidentially ) Damn fool, wasn’t I? No fool like an old fool. ( A long