Act Two – Scene One
WE ARE BACK IN THE CLASSROOM. IT IS THE END OF THE DAY. SHIRTS ARE NOW BEING WORN WITH OPEN COLLARS AND EACH OF THE DELEGATES ARE MORE SLOUCHED IN THEIR CHAIRS.
Murray: And on that, the singular most important point of the entire course, I thank each of you for the effort and attention that you have given today. Do not forget to fill in your feedback sheets, as it will enable the continuous improvement of the course delivery for future delegates. That said, this is my last training, as I shall be retiring from the Impressment Service at the end of the week.
Brown: Oh no!
Chapman: Then we are honoured to have received your instruction sir!
Fisher: Happy retirement sir! Three cheers for sir! Hip-hip!
(Following Fisher’s enthusiastic ‘hips’, Brown, Murray and Fisher, deliver three hearty cheers.)
Murray: Settle down! Settle down! Hush now my colleagues. It is ironic indeed that I am closing my journey in this wonderful profession just as you are beginning yours. But our journey this day continues. To the Trawlerman’s Arms!
(Further cheers from the delegates)
Murray: Brown, you and I will go ahead and secure a table and the first round. Wait for me in the foyer please. Chapman, Fisher, would you kindly move the chairs, this table and the board and place them at the back of the room.
(Brown exits, stage right. Fisher and Chapman murmur in discontent at having to tidy up.)
Murray: (in a whisper) Chapman, Fisher, listen, we must be quick. Don’t you think Brown was annoying today? Answering all the questions before you had a chance? We don’t need men like him in the trade. Here (passes Fisher a vial from his pocket). Put some of this in his ale this evening, and you can both begin your careers with a deserved press.
Fisher: Wow!
Chapman: This’ll show him. Thank you, sir!
Murray: No gratitude required. One less know-it all around. Now I must away before Brown becomes suspicious. Remember, just put it in his ale and give it some time to act.
(Murray exits, stage right)
Act Two – Scene Two
Murray has joined Brown in the foyer.
Brown: Hello sir, shall we go?
Murray: Presently Brown, presently. I must, at this point, confess something of a ruse. I mean to start you on your career Brown. You were an excellent student today. Those two in there, they are not natural pressmen, such as you and I. No, their talents deserve a more maritime environment in which to evolve. Here (takes two vials from his pocket.) Slip these into their beer this evening. Give it some time to act and bingo, you shall start your career with two fine presses.
Brown: Really sir? I am in your debt, I don’t know what to say.
Murray: Say nothing Brown. This is now the time for action. A perfect plan is afoot! Let us make haste to the Trawlerman’s Arms!
(Murray and Brown exit)