The Babes in the Wood (Paperback)

Excerpt: ...the delinquencies of a man Who is dotty? Baron. Most certainly we can. Monte. 'Tis true; I understand the eccentricities of lunatics. Baron. Of course you do. Monte. In fact I have been in a madhouse. Hare Aside. Good biz This is prime. Burke. You know I thought you must have been at one time. Monte. Not as a patient. Burke. No? Sir, I have studied diseases of the brain, and so Can enlarge on the subject. You didn't observe The peculiar twitter of the fellow's ocular nerve 1 Monte. I must admit I did not. Burke. Not having the medical genius, of course you haven't a chance. It is only we practitioners who observe these things at a glance. Sir, his cerebral tissues are mechanically disorganised. Nurse. It's a tissue of lies, I'm thinkin'. Baron. Really I'm surprised To hear you malign the character of a lord. Burke. 'Tis truth. You'll find Some hidden delusion preys on his childish mind, And at any moment, the worst of this disease is, He may burst forth in passion and blow you all to pieces. Lady M. Horrors Baron. This seems serious, and our intent Should be at once to have him safely pent. Hare. Truth, or we may rue it. Monte. A lord, detective, practitioner rolled in one Such was never known beneath the burning sun. Burke. It may seem curious at first, but still You'll get used to it. Baron. Of course we will. Burke. My detective work is my foremost occupation, For I oppose all cruelty, crime and depredation; And understand I now prepare My plan to capture Burke and Hare. Concerted Piece--Air, "Must You?" Monte. I must declare it seems a curious case, Yet of course we will not doubt your word. Nurse. But still it seems to me, whoever he may be, His explanation's just a bit absurd. Hare. But don't you know, and can't you understand, That's how a great detective frames his plan? Baron. I'm sure, 'tis clear, that he is quite sincere, Quite a fit and proper sort of man. Burke. Really I'm a great detective, And will aid you by degrees;...