Therefore we consider it most advantageous for all parties that he
should be immediately treated as insane. Where is the nurse?
LAURA. Why?
DOCTOR. She must put the straightjacket on the patient when I have
talked to him and given the order! But not before. I have--the--
garment out here. [Goes out into the hall rind returns with a large
bundle.] Please ask the nurse to come in here.
[Laura rings.]
PASTOR. Dreadful! Dreadful!
[Nurse comes in.]
DOCTOR [Takes out the straightjacket]. I want you to pay attention
to this. We want you to slip this jacket on the Captain, from
behind, you understand, when I find it necessary to prevent another
outbreak of violence. You notice it has very long sleeves to
prevent his moving and they are to be tied at the back. Here are
two straps that go through buckles which are afterwards fastened to
the arm of a chair or the sofa or whatever is convenient. Will you
do it?
NURSE. No, Doctor, I can't do that; I can't.
LAURA. Why don't you do it yourself, Doctor?
DOCTOR. Because the patient distrusts me. You, Madam, would seem to
be the one to do it, but I fear he distrusts even you.
[Laura's face changes for an instant.]
DOCTOR. Perhaps you, Pastor--
PASTOR. No, I must ask to be excused.
[Noejd comes in.]
LAURA. Have you delivered the message already?
NOEJD. Yes, Madam.
DOCTOR. Oh, is it you, Noejd? You know the circumstances here; you
know that the Captain is out of his mind and you must help us to
take care of him.
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