Why, if he pays me everything he owes, or gives up the security . . .

JOHN BEAL

The security is the pass.

MIRALDA

Yes.  If he gives up that or pays . . .

JOHN BEAL

You know he’s practically king of the whole country.  It seems rather cheek almost my sending for him like this.

MIRALDA

He must come.

JOHN BEAL

But what are you going to do?

MIRALDA

If he gives up the pass . . .

JOHN BEAL

Why, if he gives up the pass you’d be you’d be a kind of queen of it all.

MIRALDA

Well, if he does that, all right. . .

JOHN BEAL

But what if he doesn’t?

MIRALDA

Why, if he doesn’t pay . . .

Hussein [off]

I am here.

JOHN BEAL

Be seen.

[Enter Hussein.]

HUSSEIN

Greeting once more.

JOHN BEAL

Again greeting....  The great lady,
Miss Clement, is here.

[Hussein and Miralda look at each other.]

You will pay to Miss Clement and not to your god of bronze.  On the word of an Englishman, your god of bronze shall not have one gold piece that belongs to the great lady!

Hussein [looking contemptuous]

On the word of the Lord of the Pass, I only pay to Hinnard.

[He stands smiling while Miralda regards him.  Exit.]

ARCHIE BEAL

Well?

JOHN BEAL

He won’t pay.

ARCHIE BEAL

What are we to do now?

John Beal [to Miralda]

I’m afraid he’s rather an ugly customer to introduce you to like that.  I’m sorry he came now.

MIRALDA

O, I like him, I think he looks splendid.

ARCHIE BEAL

Well, what are we to do?

JOHN BEAL

Yes.

ARCHIE BEAL