The Brass Bottle: A Farcical Fantastic Play in Four Acts

s a little Mi

h are bathed in warm afternoon sunlight. Under the mopheaded acacias, Culchard and Podbury are sitting smoking.

draws another chair towards her for a foo

hould think you could spare me one-

they consider themselves absolved fr

l as you do that we are booked for Nuremberg; but what

ould go, unless you wish it

s all! I know why you're so keen about

part. Miss Trotter has nothing to do with it. I don

I shall be shunted on to the old man! I don't see it, you know! (Culch. remains silent. A pause. Podbury suddenly begins to search his

wkward, certainly. I suppose I shall have to lend you enough to

the governor for more, easily enough. We shal

ve up Nurembe

ort of rest. And we could always nip over

easonable that you should be content to go where I choose. I cannot, and will not, stand these perpetual interferences with our original plan; it's sheer restles

But look here, why not tit

t, when I've already made up my mind to go?

hout enthusiasm). Would you l

of an open nature). Not if I kn

coldly)

away, pausing at the gate to see whether he intends to follow.

ff exactly, eh? Seem sorry they came! You'll be glad to hear, old fellow, t

a special pocket for your money and coupons? Like this-see. (He opens

VENS, IT-

it buttoned, old chap,-w

s a trifle too-(feels pocket, and tur

The

oney, coupons, circular notes! They-they must have fallen out going

them again. Any number of tramps and beggars all the way up. Sho

r it yet. Anyway, we-we must push on to Nuremberg, and I'll telegraph h

I mean, if I pay the piper, I call the tune. Now, I don't cotton to Nuremberg

t just consider, my dear Podbury. I assure you you'll find Nuremberg a

. But then I'm not, don't

you half-way. I've no objection to-er-titti

d. (Producing a mark.) Now then, Emperor-Constance. Eagle-Nur

Emperor uppermost.) Best out of three.

far. (He receives coin.)

Now mind, Podbury, no going back a

te-case. They did fall out on the Niederwald, and it was a good job for you I was behind an

ow.-(Recollecting himself.) But you need not have taken advantage of

keep you to it, of course. And I say, weren't you sold, though? D

e you your little joke if it amuses you. Those laugh best who

come out from the Speisesaal doo

. Your friend been gettin

wn to going to Nuremberg, which, for many reasons, I was extremely a

elegant locality he's struck yet, and just as full of Amurrcans as it can hold; so we're going to start out there right away. I don't believe we shall hav

-fa-di-fee-fee-foo; few--After all, Podbury, I don't know that I care so mu

that. Tiddledy-iddlety-ido-lumpty-doodle-

thought of the Engadine-more bra

s Engadining about after her. It's Charley Van Stickinthemud's turn now! We've got to go to Nuremberg. You

to get out of it. I merely proposed in your--(Podb

It's the last laugh, ol

of the joke. Podbury's mirth immediately subsides into gravity, and