Scene VII
Setting: Inside a small pub, noisy with many villagers.
At rise: Holmes and Watts stand near the door, talking to Einsford. Einsford is clearly enthralled with talking to the great master detective. During the following conversation, Watts listens with great interest for the first few seconds, then wanders off, talking to other people.
Einsford (earnestly): Yes, Mr. Holmes, I understand. You have my word of honor that this conversation will remain secret.
Holmes: Good. I just wanted to ask a few questions. We were outside the butcher shop today--
Einsford: Nice little place, isn't it? Vladimir Bolshevik is a genius with the cleaver. Only meat shop we've got in Butchersville, and we're happy to have it. He gets a little help from his brother--that would be Pisclapski, though most of us call him Piggy--but most of it he does on his own. Now, what was it you were going to say?
Holmes: I was just wondering, how long have you known Bolshevik?
Einsford: Him? He's been in this town since the beginning of time. His folks were here before mine, even, and mine came in 1642. Fine old family, are the Bolsheviks. His folks died in a fever ten years back, and Vladimir's been looking after little Piggy ever since. (Sighs.) It's just the two of them now. Seems a shame that--
Holmes: And what is Mr. Bolshevik like, Mr. Einsford?
Einsford (grinning): Struck you as a bit harsh, eh? But don't you believe it. Every morning, when he thinks no one's looking, I see him wave at little Hélène. They're best friends. He's got a heart of gold, does Vladimir. Now Piggy, on the other hand, everyone knows he's a friendly one. His smile can be seen from one end of town to the other. Quite a favorite with the people.
Holmes (looking doubtful): Of course. I'm sure that this, uh, Piggy is quite friendly. But what about Vladimir Bolshevik? Does he keep mostly to himself, or does he have any friends he talks with?
Einsford: Well, none other than the little girl I just mentioned--Hélène, that is. Piggy, on the other hand, has just about everyone in this here town for a friend. Maybe what you'd call the popular sort.
Holmes (clearly annoyed that this conversation is getting nowhere): Yes, yes. Well, I'd better be going now. WATTS!!
Watts: Coming, Holmes! (Hastily bids goodbye to Flora and Minerva and joins Holmes as he walks out of the pub.) You know, I don't think Vladimir Bolshevik is as bad as some of the townspeople crack him up to be.
Holmes: Yes, Watts, that's very nice. It's good that you're learning to sympathize with other people. But you must remember, the man has been terrorizing the villagers.
Watts: Are you certain that he is the culprit?
Holmes (loftily): Of course; who else could it possibly be? (Both exit and curtains close.)