Well! . . . Well! . . . Well, friends, let us to the next house. We
have got all that we can get here.
[They trail off silently.
MARTHA (as they go off). Master Ableways!
PETER. Ay, lass!
MARTHA. My feet aren't so cold now.
(But this is to be an exciting night. As soon as they are gone, a
Burglar and a Burglaress steal into view)
BILL. Wotcher get, Liz? (She holds up a gold watch and chain. He nods
and holds up a diamond necklace) 'Ow's that?
LIZ (starting suddenly). H'st!
BILL (in a whisper). What is it?
LIZ. Copper!
BILL (desperately). 'Ere, quick, get rid of these. 'Ide 'em in the
snow, or---
LIZ. Bill! (He turns round) Look! (She points to the stocking and sock
hanging up) We can come back for 'em as soon as 'e's gone.
(BILL looks at them, and back at her, and grins. He drops the necklace
into one and the watch into the other. As the POLICEMAN approaches
they strike up, "While shepherds watched their flock by night," with
an air of great enthusiasm.)
POLICEMAN. Now then, move along there.
(They move along. The POLICEMAN flashes his light on the door to see
that all is well. The stocking and sock are revealed. He beams
sentimentally at them.)
SCENE III.--We are inside the house again.
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