El Destripador: Juguete Comico en un Acto y en Prosa
Don Joaquin Adan Berned
Madrid, Imprenta de Jose Rodriguez. 1889. Spanish play.
The following English translation is by Chris Scott:
El Destripador by Joaquín Adan Berned (1889)
THE RIPPER
A COMIC AMUSEMENT IN ONE ACT IN PROSE
AN ORIGINAL WORK OF
DON JOAQUÍN ADÁN BERNED.
MADRID 1889
Premiered with great success in the Martín Theatre, 6th December 1889.
Characters: Actors:
Don Rufo (50 years old) Senor Castro
Quiteria (40 years old) Senora Rubio
Mayor Senor Huarte
Luisa Senorita Sala
Santiago Senor Garcia
The setting is a village in the province of Madrid.
FIRST AND ONLY ACT.
The stage appears divided in two halves: one of which the the room of the owners, while the smaller is the room intended for a guest. In the latter there should be a table on the right side and a bed on the left. The owners' room will need to have two working doors, one upstage and the other on the left side. A small table with an escritoire, beside the said door.
Scene 1:
When the curtain rises, there are on stage Don Rufo, Dona Quiteria and Luisa. The first is writing, the second sewing and Luisa is sweeping and singing.
RUFO:
Aha! I have finished the letter. Luisa- in God's name, you will choke me with all that dust!
QUIT: (without looking up)
That is to the good - when a letter is written, put dust on it.
RUFO:
Fine on the letter but not in my eyes, by Heaven!
LUISA:
Very well, I've finished sweeping.
RUFO:
About time! When I look like a miller covered in white...
(A small bell is heard)
QUIT:
Someone rang?
LUISA:
Yes, mama.
RUFO:
Then run and open the door right away - I hope it's not a guest...
LUISA:
I am going right now (Exits)
RUFO:
Quiteria, get the broom and take it to the kitchen. You know that in boarding houses cleanliness is very important. (Looks at the clock) It's still only half past seven! Still half an hour to go before the travellers arrive. Who the devil can it be at this hour?
QUIT:
We'll soon know. I think Luisa is coming back.
LUISA (as she enters):
Go through, go through, Mr Mayor.
RUFO and QUIT:
The mayor?
Scene 2:
On stage: the same as Scene 1 and the Mayor.
Great affection inthe owners of the house.
RUFO:
You are very welcome to our house!
QUIT:
How are you, Mr. Mayor?
MAYOR:
Thank you, my friends, many thanks. But I have some urgent business and we have not much time for pleasantries. (Mysteriously) It concerns some major news.
RUFO:
Important?
MAYOR:
Very important... most important! Much more than you can imagine.
QUIT:
Please, let us know - you have me intrigued.
MAYOR:
Come close, all of you. It is about... about... nobody can hear us?
RUFO:
Absolutely nobody!
MAYOR:
Well then, listen. The Ripper is here!
QUIT: (cries out)
Ah!
RUFO:
What is happening?
LUISA:
But is it possible?
MAYOR:
Unfortunately, yes - he is here.
RUFO:
In this house? That is awful.
LUISA:
Ah, God save us all!
MAYOR:
No, man, he must in the village or hereabouts.
QUIT:
I can breathe again - what a fright you gave me! Is it true, Rufo?
RUFO: (acting the hero)
Bah, it's woman's talk! Let him come - let the Ripper come and then you will see what Rudo is made of! Rippers here, eh?
LUISA:
But, Mr. Mayor, who don't you take a seat?
QUIT:
Quiet! If it is true...! A chair, straight away!
(The three walk over to the chairs)
MAYOR:
In Heavens's name, don't alarm yourselves.
(The three return with the chairs which they try to give to the Mayor, each pulling the chiar back. The Myor goes to sit and falls to the ground.) By the Devil!
LUISA:
By God!
QUIT:
Ah!
RUFO:
Have you hurt yourself?
MAYOR: (getting up)
It is nothing, thank you. Now let us all sit down and listen.
(They sit down)
RUFO:
Now you can tell us what you want.
MAYOR:
Well then, Rufo. As I was saying before, the famous English Ripper is here.
LUISA:
In the village, you should say.
MAYOR:
Well, it is the same thing.
RUFO:
To Hell with him!
MAYOR:
I'll carry on. Yesterday I received from the Governor this communication that you'll hear. (He reads.) "To the Mayor of ......, My authority having been informed that the famous Jack the Ripper..." (He is about to sneeze)
QUIT:
By Jesus!
MAYOR:
If I don't sneeze. That is what he is called. I'll carry on. "He is in the vicinity and I am advising you so that you can take precautionary measures to avoid any kind of misfortune. God keep you for many years etc, etc..."
RUFO:
It is a serious matter, Mr. Mayor.
MAYOR:
As you can imagine! But he doesn't tell me what the Ripper is to me! Because a man who is forewarned is worth two, I said to myself: "Come, let's advise them in the boarding house, telling them the features of the criminal so that..."
LUISA:
But you know him?
MAYOR:
No, my dear. And God knows I have no desire for such acquaintances!
QUIT:
Then how will you tell us his features?
MAYOR:
I have them here in an official notice. Pay close attention. (He reads.) "Height, normal... complexion, healthy.... hands, normal... nose, normal.... mouth, normal...
LUISA:
This man is completely normal.
RUFO:
A devil! I think this Ripper is not normal or anywhere near!
QUIT:
Carry on, I want to find out.
MAYOR:
Clothing, American and...
RUFO:
Normal, we know.
MAYOR:
How normal! Short American coat, narrow trousers and boots....
RUFO:
The boots are barrow as well?
MAYOR:
How do I know? You'll have to ask him - he must know where his shoes pinch. Come, friends. (He gets up.) Now you know the important news. Now what is needed is that we keep this secret so as not to alarm the neighbours and that we be courageous if this criminal by misfortune manages to penetrate the village. Farewell, Don Rufo... farewell, ladies.
(He goes)
RUFO:
God be woth you and many thanks.
PUISA:
Careful you don't fall, Mr. Mayor.
QUIT:
Yes - be careful on the stairs.
Scene 3:
QUITERIA, RUFO AND LUISA.
QUIT:
Rudo, is the Mayor's news true?
LUISA:
My God, how frightful!
RUFO:
Is it true? I believe it! Didn't you read The Spanish Correspondence which came yesterday? The Ripper has been in Madrid causing outrages.
QUIT:
But if he comes to this village, what will become of us?
LUISA:
We might not even know!
RUFO:
Well, it's perfectly simple. Remember the features that the Mayor told us. Nosr... normal, hands... normal... So, when you see a man who is completely normal, that is the Ripper!
(The little bell rings, making everyone jump)
LUISA:
By Jesus!
QUIT:
Ah!
RUFO:
Who's rining? I think someone rang, didn't they?
QUIT:
Yes. Who can it be? By God, since this news of the Ripper, I have got goosebumps. (To Rufo) Go and open the door, man. What are you doing still here?
(They ring again)
LUISA:
It's them again!
RUFO:
Quiteria, you go and open the door.
QUIT:
No, you go and look first.
RUFO:
No- ladies first. You know that in all things, ladies should go first.
LUISA:
Let all three of us go.
RUFO:
That's not a bad idea. But ladies first.
(They go out slowly and, after a few moments, they return accompanied by Santiago)
Scene 4:
As Scene 3 and Santiago, a Catalan commissioner. He has a beard and narrow trousers. He carries two suitcases and other things in his hands.
RUFO:
(Politely) Come in, sir, no obligation! Treat it as your own home!
QUIT:
Give me your cases - I'll put them in the room. (She takes them)
SANT:
Many thanks, madame.
(All look shocked.)
LUISA:
He's foreign!
[NOTE - it is impossible to convey this in translation. The reason they assume he is foreign is that he spoke in Catalan dialect.]
QUIT:
Even better! These foreigners spend more than our countrymen. (She takes the case to the room on the right)
RUFO:
Will you take something? A glass of water... chocolate?
SANT:
Thank you! What kind hosts!
QUIT:
(Going out) Come, the room is ready. You can go in when you want.
LUISA:
(To her mother) How ugly he is!
SANT:
(Looking at the clock) It's only quarter to eight. Who goes to bed at this time? I will make use of the time. (To Rufo) Tell me, is the veterinarian's house far from here?
RUFO:
No, sir. Go out of the square, turn right and where you see some stables, that's the veterinarian's.
SANT:
Well then, I will see you later.
QUIT;l
Do you not want to dine?
SANT:
When it is ready -it is still early. Goodbye!
LUISA:
Go with God!
QUIT:
Pssst...sir (calling to Santiago)
SANT:
(Coming back) What did you want?
QUIT:
(Politely) Well I wanted... pardon me, but there is a regulation that guests sign in.
RUFO:
True. A regulation we hardly ever take notice of.
SANT:
If that is all, where do I sign?
LUISA:
Here in this book.
SANT:
(Signs) First and last name, yes?
QUIT:
Exactly.
SANT:
Well, that's it. Goodbye. (He goes)
RUFO:
Your servant.
Scene 5:
RUFO, QUITERIA and LUISA who starts to examine the book.
RUFO: Go on, get a good dinner ready. I don't know why but this chap looks to me like one who likes to eat well.
QUIT:
Well he looks the opposite to me. He's got a destitute appearance...
RUFO:
Woman, do what I say! Don't make fun of his appearance.
LUISA:
(Fearfully) My God!
QUIT:
(cries out) Ah!
RUFO:
Enough of this making me jump! What's up with you, girl?
LUISA:
(Terrified) Father, we're lost!
QUIT:
What is happening, girl?
LUISA:
(Gives her the book) Read, mother, read this name.
QUIT:
(Read) Santiago Corchs..... Well, what does that have to do with anything?
RUFO:
A name like any other...
LUISA:
But don't you understand anything?
QUIT:
If you don't explain...
LUISA:
The Ripper!
QUIT;
Where?
RUFO:
(Fearfully) Look, Luisa, don't come out with jokes like that!
LUISA:
What jokes? I tell you we have the Ripper in our house, that he is our guest.
RUFO:
My God!
QUIT:
By theDevil, that's all we need! But what amkes you say this?
LUISA:
Don't you remember the name? Mama, read the surname again.
QUIT:
Corchs.
RUFO:
Excatly - the sneeze!
LUISA:
What will become of us?
QUIT:
The Virgin protect me!
RUFO:
Quickly - let us tell the Mayor. This is awful.... I said that this guest was no good!
QUIT:
Yes, let's tell him. But who will go?
LUISA;
I will.
RUFO:
No, daughter. You can't leave the house while that man is here.
QUIT:
I'll go. Meanwhile, you look after the house and if he comes back...
RUFO:
If he comes back he'll cut both our throats! Run... now... right now...
LUISA:
Go, Mama, go quickly!
QUIT:
Farewell - my God, protect me!
Scene 6
RUFO and LUISA
RUFO:
(Pacing about quickly) How right the Mayor was! What'll become of us with this criminal in the house? But how did we not realise it sooner? Luisa, my daughter, we must be very careful.
LUISA:
(Weeping) Oh, father!
RUFO:
Come now, let us calm down. After all he is a man and, hang it all, perhaps he's not as criminal as we are assuming.
LUISA:
(Listening) I think he is coming upstairs. Yes, it must be him.
RUFO:
By God, Luisa, stay calm. If he sees that we are afraid, we are finished. I'm tongue-tied with fear.
Scene 7
AS ABOVE and SANTIAGO
SANT:
Well, sir, I wasn't able to see my client, nor the tailor, to give me certain particulars. A tailoring salesman, and the first time I travel round these villages it seems I will not be doing great business.
RUFO:
(To his daughter) What is he saying to himself?
SANT:
(Seeing them) Hello! You are here? Forgive me, I didn't see you.
RUFO:
Yes, sir, we were taking here.
LUISA:
Yes, sir, talking about...
SANT:
In case I am inconceniencing you, I will go to my room.
RUFO:
(I believe it!) Come, my man, you are not inconveniencing us in the least!
SANT:
Well you have a kindly face...
RUFO:
(Now he's scalping me!) Well look, I am not what I seem.
LUISA;
Nor am I!
SANT:
I'm afraid I'm confused. However, you'll give me certain details I need to know. But first, I must inform you that I am...
RUFO:
We already know! Don't trouble yourself to say it! Unfortunately...
SANT:
Why?
RUFO:
I meant unfortunately I... well... my daughter isn't worth.... in the end, it means something. (I don't know what I'm saying!)
SANT:
(What a strange man!) That's fine, but how could you have known who I am?
LUISA:
We were already informed of your arrival...
RUFO:
Yes - the Mayor told us. We won't say anything to anyone in the village.
SANT:
On the contrary, I want all the well placed people to know.
(LUISA and RUFO looked surprised)
RUFO:
(How shameless - he couldn't be more brazen!) All of them, or only the stout ones?
SANT:
(Laughing) And the slim ones! I work with both.
RUFO:
(Yes- you crush both just as easily! This man must be awful.) Then you will understand that I asked this question because we understood you only had use for the young.
LUISA;
That's true.
SANT;
I will tell you - it's harder work with the young but work with older people gives greater benefits.
RUFO:
(Work? What is this wretch calling work? Better call it destruction.) And have you decided to do a lot of work?
SANT:
As much as I can.
RUFO:
(God protect me!)
LUISA:
How fearful, father!
SANT:
Would you like something done for you as well?
RUFO:
The devil!
SANT:
Why? I work very cheaply.
RUFO:
(That's just about it - after cutting us up he asks for five duros on top!)
SANT:
Tell me, are there many youngsters in the village?
RUFO:
(This man will put an end to them all.) No, sir, to be exact in this village there are none. All are grown men and women.
LUISA:
Just so.
SANT;
That seems strange. I have seen some.
RUFO:
Yes, there were... but with this musiness of the measles... they are all dead! (Better they die in this way then you cutting their throats)
SANT:
Go on, I see that are quite kind...
LUISA:
No, don't believe it!
SANT;
Thank you, you pretty girl.
RUFO:
Oh, how he looks at her! We will be the first...
SANT;
I am going to write a letter. You will let me know when dinner is ready, yes?
(He goes into his room)
RUFO:
Certainly.
(As soon as Santiago goes, Rufo says to his daughter) This is awful, daughter! This man plans to finish all of us... and I believe he will finish us... I don't know how I haven't died of shock!
Scene 8:
As above and QUITERIA and the MAYOR who appear furtively in the doorway.
QUIT;
We are back!
RUFO:
(Frightened) What is that?
LUISA:
(Frightened) Ah!
MAYOR:
Don't be afraid - it's us.
QUIT:
Has the Ripper come back?
RUFO:
He is in his room.
QUIT:
(Frightened) Ah, how fearful!
MAYOR;
Madame, calm yourself. Let's not ruin everything!
RUFO:
Mr. Mayor, you don't know what this man is planning! There's no hope - all of us in the village are threatened with death.
MAYOR:
How atrocious!
RUFO;
He has just told me himself. How will we avoid such a catastrophe?
MAYOR:
Let us not be hasty! Did you say he is in his room?
LUISA;
Hehas just gone in there.
MAYOR:
Well, let's see if we can hear anything.
(They creep slowly over. Santiago, who during all this has been writing, says loudly, sealing the letter
SANT:
I don't think my bosses can complain. I have to do good business in this village.
RUFO:
You hear, Mr. Mayor? Good business! That means this man means to turn everything upside down.
MAYOR:
Quiet, man!
SANT:
Let my boss say what he wants, in this village there are many youngsters and I intend to conclude my business with ten or twelve of them.
RUFO:
Herod!
SANT:
What's more, I'm confident thatthe Mayor and his councillors won't remain without something.
MAYOR:
My God! This man wants to put an end to the Town Hall! We are in great danger, Don Rufo!
RUFO:
And what shall we do?
MAYOR:
Listen - my plan is just two words. Complete silence! Don't you disturb him - meanwhile, I'll go in search of the constables and as soon as he is asleep - bash! we will take him.
QUIT:
A good idea!
LUISA:
I believe it, most certainly.
MAYOR:
Then I am going. You (to RUFO and LUISA) downstairs and stay calm.
RUFO:
Straight away. (They go)
MAYOR:
You, Madam Quiteria, be so kind as to light my way.
QUIT:
Very gladly.
(They go out)
Scene 9
SANTIAGO and then QUITERIA
SANT:
Well, since they haven't called me to dinner, I will go down in a moment to post the letter. This not knowing the collection times for the post going out is hopeless.
(He opens the door and goes out at the same moment as QUITERIA returns. When she sees him she shrieks and drops her light which goes out. The scene is in darkness)
QUIT;
Help!
SANT:
Madam, don't be alarmed.
(They both walk but miss each other)
QUIT:
Lights, Rufo!
SANT:
I am here, Madam. Calm down.
(RUFO comes in with arms outstretched looking for his wofe and bumps into Santiago)
RUFO:
Quiteria, my dear, what is happening?
QUIT:
I'm here, husband.
(RUFO bumps into SANTIAGO, touches his face and, when he feels the hair, pulls back shouting)
RUFO:
Heavens, my wife has a beard!
SANT;
It's me, boss.
RUFO:
(Falling to his knees)
(The Ripper! Mercy me!)
Scene 10
As above and LUISA with a lamp.
SANT:
(Surprised) But, my friends, would you tell me what is going on?
RUFO:
(Rising) Nothing - nothing is going on! (But it will, that's what I'm afraid of!)
QUIT:
What eyes this man has!
SANT:
I'm sorry for this shock and as I was the cause of it...
LUISA:
You frightened me!
SANT:
Fortunately the shock has passed. (He goes towards QUITERIA) Madam, could you give me some dinner? I was going to post this letter but we will leave it for now.
QUIT:
As you wish!
SANT;
Good. Then I'll go back to my room and wait for dinner. Whatever you have going, yes?
(He goes into his room)
LUISA:
(to QUITERIA) And what will you give him for dinner?
QUIT:
How do I know? I'd give him some poison to see if he exploded! Look, while I get the food ready, Rufo, you lay the table. You, daughter, come with me. (They go)
Scene 11
RUFO and SANTIAGO
RUFO:
(Fearfully) I'm not in a fit state to serve anybody! Really! What the hell am I to do alone with this man? We will draw strength from weakness, God willing. (To SANTIAGO) Move the table to the middle, please. (From a cupboard he takes out a tablecloth and from the doorway he throws it over the table.)
SANT:
(Startled) What!
RUFO:
Pardon me, it is the custom in this village.
SANT:
Then let's go with custom! (He covers the table. RUFO goes out and reenters carrying a tray on which are plates and bread.
RUFO:
(From the doorway) Pssst... sir...I am here.
SANT:
But Don Rufo....
RUFO:
(Afraid) Pardon me- it is the custom!
SANT:
Carry on. (He puts the plates on the table. RUFO goes out and comes back carrying a chicken on the point of a spit and offers it while he speaks)
RUFO:
Chicken!
SANT:
Don Rufo, this business is bewildering me.
RUFO:
Well, you seem it is the custom.
SANT;
These customs! Very well, bring some wine.
RUFO:
This one is very good! (He takes a bottle from the cupboard) No, I won't come in. (He throws it from the doorway) There, you have the wine.
SANT:
If it weren't for my even temper, I'd give you a thump! This is the custom as well?
RUFO:
(Frightened) Yes, sir, everything, absolutely everything.
SANT;
(Angry) Go to the Devil! (He gets up) Clear the table while I go out with the letter and for tomorrow try to forget your country's customs! See you later. (He goes)
Scene 12
RUFO then LUISA and QUITERIA
RUFO:
Go with God, you swine, and I hope you drop dead! Tomorrow, eh? If you haven't finished me off tomorrow, with the meal I give you, you'll explode like a rabbit! (Calls out) Quiteria, Luisa!
LUISA: (coming in with her mother)
Did you call us?
QUIT:
And the Ripper?
RUFO:
He's gone out - let's hope he doesn't come back. (Startled) Ah!
QUIT:
What is it?
RUFO:
I hear footseteps!
QUIT:
So do I - is it him?
RUFO:
God save us! Let's get away from the door.
Scene 13
As above and the MAYOR and two CONSTABLES armed with clubs.
RUFO:
Ah! Is that you, Mr. Mayor?
MAYOR:
Can't you see it is? (Mysteriously) We saw him go out!
LUISA:
The Ripper?
MAYOR:
He certainly gave us a look!
QUIT;
Was he going to the tobacconist's?
MAYOR:
Yes, we saw him go in just now. He was walking quickly... So we must take precautions quickly before he returns. You are a brave man, Don Rufo!
RUFO:
I have never tested it but I feel I don't have much left!
MAYOR:
That doesn't matter. You and this (a club) go into the room...
RUFO:
The Devil I will!
MAYOR:
Yes, my man - don't be a coward. You two go in, when he returns we will come in as well and between us all - we'll bash him!
LUISA:
That sounds good to me.
QUIT:
Perfect!
RUFO:
I believe it! And before we manage to land a blow he has me laid out! No, I'm not going in.
MAYOR:
But Don Rufo...
LUISA:
(Terrified) He is coming! (All are stunned)
MAYOR:
(With a shove) Get inside!
RUFO:
(Shaking his head) But... if ... I (he goes in and shuts the door)
MAYOR:
Now we will hide here. (They hide)
Scene 14
RUFO then SANTIAGO
RUFO:
(Afraid) Go on with you... and they have left me alone - except for this useless club they gave me... Dear God, have pity onthis worthless man!
SANT:
(Entering) There - everything is done for today ... we'll sleep peacefully.
RUFO:
(Trembling) Now he'll cut me up alive! No, whatever I am, I don't deserve it... but where can I hide? Here!
(He hides under the bed at the moment Santiago enters the room)
SANT:
They still haven't taken out this table? These people are savages!
RUFO:
(Thanks a lot!)
SANT:
They have an unpleasant look - I only like the daughter.
RUFO:
(Well you can forget liking her, you rhinoceros!)
SANT:
He seems a wretched man in every sense of the word.
RUFO:
And you're a villain with seven soles!
SANT:
I'll see about coaxing him to see if in the end I can make a couiple of items.
RUFO:
(Terrified) Animal! No less than cutting me in half!
SANT:
Well, I'll lay down for a while dressed: tomorrow I want to start work promptly and I need to be up early. I have to achieve my aims!
RUFO:
(God help us!)
SANT:
(Falling on the bed) Good night!
RUFO:
Ah!
SANT;
(startled) Who is there?
RUFO:
Nobody! I mean... if... I...
SANT;
And what are you doing under the bed?
RUFO:
Well, you see, ... going for a stroll!
SANT:
Under the bed?
RUFO;
Yes, sir - it is the custom. You understand? The custom.
SANT:
(Angry) Enough fooling around!
RUFO:
My hour has come! Help!
(he comes out from under the bed, dirty, dishevelled, at the same moment as all the people in the other room emerge with clubs and other defensive weapons. They reach the room of the door which is open. Rufo moves in front of them all)
Last Scene
As aboce, MAYOR, QUITERIA, LUISA, CONSTABLES
MAYOR:
(To Santiago) Come out, you wretch.
SANT:
(Coming out) But, gentlemen, what is all this?
MAYOR:
(Threatening) Quiet! Consider yourself arrested.
SANT:
I am arrested?
RUFO;
You, you shamless villain.
SANT:
Would you like to explain what is going on?
MAYOR:
Silence! Give yourself up!
VOICES:
(off) Death! Death to the Ripper!
QUIT:
(Going to the door) We have him, neighbours!
MAYOR:
You hear that? The people want your head.
SANT:
My head!
RUFO:
Yes, sir, and we will give it to them.
SANT:
But you're all mad!
MAYOR;
Silence!
SANT;
I don't feel like it!
RUFO;
Hit him with a club!
SANT:
You are making a grave mistake! I am a respectable man and...
RUFO:
Yes, my respectable man! The same as Jose Maria.
MAYOR:
Don't try to hide anything from us. W0e know eveything! You are the Ripper!
SANT:
How ridiculous! Ha, ha, ha!
RUFO:
You can laugh, my man - the situation is amusing.
SANT:
(Taking out a paper) Here are my documents.
MAYOR:
(Reads from it) Santiago Corchs...
RUFO;
Exactly! Alias the Ripper!
MAYOR:
(Continues reading) Status, widower.... profession, tailor...
ALL:
A tailor!!!
SANT:
Yes, gentlemen, a tailor. Seeking commisions for an establishment in Barcelona.
QUIT:
Then all that about the youngsters... and the pieces....
SANT;
The usual questions to find out information that I didn't know.
RUFO:
We have excelled ourselves!
MAYOR:
(To Rudo) You ought to go to prison right now as a liar!
RUFO:
That is all I need!
MAYOR:
Well, stay at liberty and forgive this unpleasantness. I assure you that you are not leaving this village without twenty suits. (To Rufo) Don Rufo, you should beg forgiveness.
SANT:
Not from me. (To the audience) From the ladies and gentlemen.
RUFO:
If it's the only way, I'll do it gladly.
(To the audience)
From today I am convinced.
The terrible Ripper
Is an impossible absurdity
Who does not exist and never existed.
(To the cast)
Regain your composure
And recover from such embarrassment.
If he comes to this village, I swear
I will break his spirit!
SANT:
Don't be so talkative!
RUFO;
Why?
LUISA:
(Meaningfully) There are sacred debts....
RUFO:
(To the audience)
Ah, yes! Give me some applause - and a little for the author as well!
CURTAIN
THE END
