_
_Old Martin_ (_awaking_). I have 'ad a fearful dream, and I am under
the impression that MARIA has been foully murdered in the Red Barn.
[_He calls the Comic Countryman to help him "to commence
a thorough investigation"--which he does, in a spirit of
rollicking fun befitting the occasion, as the Scene changes to
the Red Barn._
_Old M._ (_finding the spade_). What's this? A spade--and, by its
appearance, it 'as recently been used, for there are marks of blood
upon it! I now begin to be afraid my dream will come true.
[_Roars of laughter when the Comic C. discovers the body, and
implores it to "say summat!" Change of Scene. WILLIAM CORDER
discovered At Home, in a long perspective of pillars and
curtains, ending in a lawn and fountain._
_William_ (_moodily_). 'Tis now exactly twelve months since MARIA
MARTIN was done to death by these 'ands. Since then, I have married a
young, rich, and beautiful wife--and yet I am not 'appy.
[_Enter Old MARTIN, who, by the simple method of changing
his hat and coat, has now become a Bow-street Officer; he puts
questions to WILLIAM, who at once betrays himself, and has
to be searched. As a pair of pistols exactly resembling one
that was left in the Red Barn, are found in his coat-tail
pockets; his guilt is conclusively proved, and he is led away.
The next Scene shows him in the Condemned Cell, resolving to
sleep away his few remaining hours on a kitchen-chair.
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