The Donkey Man

Return to Catalogue THE DONKEY MAN by Bill Stanton
	(SUMMER DAY, BEACH SOUNDS OF SEASIDE RESORT)
ANN	Can we talk ?
DAVID	Talk ?
ANN	Yes.
DAVID	I rather thought we'd tried that.
ANN	Yes.
DAVID	It didn't seem to get us anywhere. (PAUSE) Did it ?
ANN	I suppose not.
DAVID	The trouble is you won't forget it. Will you ?
ANN	I meant for her sake.
DAVID	Hmm. (PAUSE) By the way, where is she ?
ANN	She's all right.
DAVID	Are you sure ?
ANN	She's gone over to the donkeys.
DAVID	Oh.
ANN	She won't go near the water.
DAVID	You know that, of course.
ANN	She's got that new yellow dress on.
DAVID	The one I bought her.
ANN	She won't risk spoiling that.
DAVID	Oh.
ANN	Tell me, how do you manage to do that ?
DAVID	Do that ?
ANN	Worry about her ?
DAVID	Of course I worry about her.
ANN	Yes. Now.
DAVID	Now ?
ANN	While you're here. When you're not —
DAVID	What about when I'm not here ?
ANN	You manage then.
DAVID	Manage what ?
ANN	Manage not to worry about her. How do you do it ?
DAVID	Look, you were given custody.
ANN	Yes. (PAUSE) I think we should talk.
DAVID	(IN TONES OF OFFICIAL GUIDE) And so, ladies and gentlemen, we return to (LAMELY) where we were.
ANN	Why can't you ? Talk about it ?
DAVID	(RISING) I'm going to look for her.
ANN	Suit yourself. DAVID (GOING) She's only eight.
(CUT TO ANN'S INNER VOICE)
ANN II	What's the use ? It'll only end in a row if we talk. You should have heard yourself, though. Going on. Saying he ought to stay for her sake. Her sake. It would spoil her holiday, you said. All that jazz. Where's your pride, girl ? I mean, going to see her ? That bitch ! (BEGIN FADE) You've got no pride ! That's your trouble ! (FADE OUT. CUT IN VOICE OF THAT WOMAN. DOMESTIC BACKGROUND)
THAT WOMAN	I'm sorry, I wasn't expecting —
ANN	He doesn't know I'm here. I — I'd rather he didn't know.
THAT WOMAN	Of course. How are you ?
ANN	How am — ? Oh, yes —
THAT WOMAN	Would you like tea ?
ANN	Tea ? Yes — er, no. No, thanks.
THAT WOMAN	You managed to park ?
ANN Park ?
THAT WOMAN	It's not easy here.
ANN	I came on the bus.
THAT WOMAN	I see.
ANN	A neighbour's picking Judy up. From school.
THAT WOMAN	Oh yes ?
ANN	Give him up, please !
THAT WOMAN	Give him up ?
ANN	She's only eight ! She can't understand ! She misses him ! (BEGIN FADE) She can't understand !
	(FADE OUT. CUT IN BEACH SOUNDS)
DAVID	She's not there !
ANN	Not there ?
DAVID	With the donkeys !
ANN	Oh ?
DAVID	The donkeys aren't there !
ANN	Of course not ! The tide's coming in. You know that. The man always takes them back to the stables. Just before high tide.
DAVID	For Christ's sake ! Aren't you even just a bit concerned ?
ANN	I leave that sort of concern to you.
DAVID	And what's that supposed to mean ?
ANN	Just because she's missing for a few minutes !
DAVID	She's been gone nearly an hour !
ANN	You've been gone a lot longer !
DAVID	Oh, not again — !
ANN	I'm surprised she let you come !
DAVID	Don't be so damn bitchy ! (PAUSE) I came for her sake. Judy's.
ANN	I assumed you didn't come for any other reason. But I'm still surprised she let you come. Even for Judy.
DAVID	You talk as if she's — unreasonable. (BEGIN FADE) It's not like that at all !
	(FADE OUT. CUT IN VOICE OF THAT WOMAN. DOMESTIC BACKGROUND)
THAT WOMAN	I take it you're aware it's all a ploy ?
DAVID	A what ?
THAT WOMAN	Using the child as bait.
DAVID	I wish you wouldn't keep calling her 'the child' ! Her name's Judy.
THAT WOMAN	I know.
DAVID	Then bloody well use it, can't you ?
THAT WOMAN	Language !
DAVID	You talk as if she's a — an abstraction !
THAT WOMAN	You talk as if you're still — involved.
DAVID	She is my daughter !
THAT WOMAN	Very well, then. Go to her !
DAVID	You don't mind ?
THAT WOMAN	I mind very much.
DAVID	I'm sorry.
THAT WOMAN	Not that it matters.
DAVID	Not that it – ?
THAT WOMAN	That's right.
DAVID	I'm not with you.
THAT WOMAN	That's right, too !
DAVID	Right ?
THAT WOMAN	I've had all I can take of four in a bed !
DAVID	What the hell do you mean by that ?
THAT WOMAN	You want to go, don't you ?
DAVID	I ought to go.
THAT WOMAN	Then go ! I don't give a damn whose sake it's for !
DAVID	I told you that —
THAT WOMAN	Only if you're going, don't come back !
DAVID	What !
THAT WOMAN	You heard ! You've got no more pride than she's got. The way she came crawling to me ! I'd see you dead first ! And I'm sick and tired of playing second fiddle in your quartet ! (BEGIN FADE) Especially in bed !
	(FADE OUT. CUT IN DAVID'S VOICE)
DAVID	Well, aren't you going to look for her ?
ANN	What's got into you ? She's gone off like this before. You know she's crazy about donkeys. It's a perfectly safe beach.
DAVID	How can you say that ? You read about these things all the time.
ANN	Things ?
DAVID	She could get — hurt. There are — men.
ANN	There's one anyway.
DAVID	I'm here, aren't I ?
ANN	All right, then. Go and look for her !
DAVID	What about you ? Aren't you coming ?
ANN	Look, buster, just because you've suddenly found a conscience —
DAVID	That's a lousy thing to say !
ANN	Some people say lousy things. Some people do them.
DAVID	Ann — !
ANN	Steady ! D'you realize that's the first time this weekend you've called me by my name ? Be careful ! You might slip and say 'Darling' or something. She wouldn't like that, would she ?
DAVID	Are you coming, or aren't you ?
ANN	All right. You go that way along the beach, and I'll go this way. We'll meet back here, OK ? (BEGIN FADE) Don't look so worried ! She'll be all right !
	(FADE OUT. CUT IN ANN'S INNER VOICE)
ANN II	Poor David ! You're the world's worst philanderer ! She makes all the running, the bitch ! Not you —
	(CUT IN DAVID'S INNER VOICE)
DAVID II	Christ, what a mess ! She 's right, though. About a conscience. I wonder where Judy is ? Ah, there's one of those beach wardens —
DAVID	I say ! You wouldn't have seen a little girl in a yellow dress ? About seven — ? No ? Well, thanks, anyway. Yes, they are, aren't they ?
DAVID II	Bloody silly question anyway. Must be dozens of kids in yellow dresses. I — I don't suppose anything's happened to her, really. Better get back to Ann. See if she's found her. (BEGIN FADE) Won't be long before the sea's on the pebbles.
	(FADE OUT. CUT IN ANN'S VOICE)
ANN	Any luck ?
DAVID	No.
ANN	Not to worry. It'll be easier when the tide's up.
DAVID	Easier ?
ANN	Well, everybody packs on to the pebble ridge then. Less chance of missing her.
DAVID	Of course. (PAUSE) Ann — !
ANN	Yes ?
DAVID	I think perhaps we should talk.
ANN	You start at that end of the ridge, and I'll take this end.
DAVID	Didn't you hear what I said ?
ANN	Yes. Come on ! The sea's almost on the pebbles.
DAVID	No !
ANN	What's that ?
DAVID	We'll look together. We'll both start from the far end. We might see her on the way there.
ANN	Just as you like. It'll take longer, that's all.
DAVID	We'll do it together. Besides, I want to talk to you.
ANN	Not just now, David, please !
DAVID	What ! Only a while back you were all for it.
ANN	You weren't.
DAVID	I am now. So why can't we talk ?
ANN	It's different.
DAVID	Different ?
ANN	I'll talk to you when you start to have a conscience about me.
DAVID	You've lost me.
ANN	Quite. (PAUSE) Just now you're worried about her, that's all.
DAVID	I haven't given her a thought !
ANN	Not her ! I meant Judy.
DAVID	Is that any reason we can't talk ?
ANN	It's a good reason to talk about Judy.
DAVID	Well ?
ANN	It's not a good reason for talking about us.
DAVID	I don't understand you.
ANN	No, you don't. But just listen to me. Because you're going to have to try ! (HER VOICE BEGINS TO SHAKE) You were the one who left, remember ? Not me ! I've had a long time being responsible for her. Too long. Doing everything. Things a father should do. I — I've managed. So just don't start feeling responsible now. You haven't the right —
DAVID	She's my daughter !
ANN	You mean it's your name on the birth certificate.
DAVID	Ann, please — !
ANN	You're not a father. Not now. Father's a name to be proud of. You don't have a right to it.
DAVID	I've every right !
ANN	You have not ! Rights are what you earn by your duties. (BEGINNING TO BREAK DOWN) Where were you last week when she was crying with earache ? Well ? Where were you — father ? Sleeping with that bitch ! (SHE BEGINS TO WEEP OUTRIGHT) Is that one of your rights ? Well, is it ?
DAVID	Ann, please ! People are looking !
ANN	Let 'em ! Let 'em see what sort of father she's got ! (GOING) Go away ! Just go away !
DAVID	Ann ! Darling ! Please ! (BEGIN FADE) Ann, wait for me !
	(THE SOUND OF THE SEA RISES. DROWNING HIS VOICE. TAKE DOWN, VOICE OF POLICEMAN OVER)
POLICEMAN	I wouldn't worry if I were you, sir. Kids do go off, you know. Hours sometimes. It's a very safe beach. I don't think she'll come to any harm.
DAVID	She's been gone nearly two hours !
POLICEMAN	How is she with policemen, sir ? I mean, would she come and ask us to find you ? Tell us she was lost ?
DAVID	Oh yes, I think so. We've always taught her that.
POLICEMAN	That's good. I'll make enquiries, of course. Where are you staying ?
DAVID	At the pub up the hill there. The Rising Sun.
POLICEMAN	Then I suggest that you or your wife stays there. While the other one goes on looking for her. That way we'll know where to contact one of you, at any rate.
DAVID	Well - er, I'm afraid that's not on.
POLICEMAN	Not on ?
DAVID	No. You see, my - my wife isn't staying there. She's at The Cedars.
POLICEMAN	Ah. (PAUSE) Ah, I see.
DAVID	I'll ask her to stay there, and I'll search the beach.
POLICEMAN	Very good, sir. Now if I could just have a few particulars. The little girl's name. And a brief description, of course. The clothes she's wearing. That sort of thing. (BEGIN FADE) Right, sir, fire away . . . (FADE OUT. CUT IN SOUND OF SEA AND ESSENTIAL SEAGULL, DAVID'S VOICE OVER)
DAVID	Oh, there you are ! I've been looking everywhere ! Ann ! What's the matter ? You look —
ANN	Nothing, I hope.
DAVID	I don't understand.
ANN	The man at the coastguard station — I thought I should let them know — he said he thought he'd seen a little girl in a yellow dress. He said she was riding on a donkey.
DAVID	But — had she any money for that ?
ANN	He said she was going the other way. Towards the town. (PAUSE) She doesn't know the town at all.
DAVID	Ann, it might not have been Judy at all.
ANN	No.
DAVID	Don't worry ! We'll find her.
ANN	What did the police say ?
DAVID	They said not to worry. They'll put out a call. They want you to go back to The Cedars and wait there.
ANN	No !
DAVID	Ann, you must ! When they find her they want to know where one of us is, at least. I'll go back to the beach and keep looking.
ANN	Yes, all right. I'm sorry. You'd better come with me and get the field glasses.
DAVID	It's going to be rotten for you. Just sitting and waiting.
ANN	Yes.
DAVID	If you'd rather look yourself, I don't mind waiting at The Cedars.
ANN	No. It's all right. You can get along faster than me. You go.
DAVID	(GOING) Ann — !
ANN	Yes ?
DAVID	(DISTANT) I'll find her, I promise.
ANN	(SHAKILY) Please do, David ! Quickly !
	(CUT. FADE IN SOUND OF PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEM)
POLICEMAN	Attention, please ! Attention, please ! The parents of Judy Webster are looking for her. She was last seen near the donkeys on the beach. She has fair hair and she is wearing a buttercup yellow sun dress. She is eight years of age. If anyone has seen a little girl answering to this description will they please inform the police or the coastguard ? Attention, please ! Attention, please ! (BEGIN FADE) The parents of Judy Webster are looking . . .
	(FADE OUT. CUT IN VOICE OF POLICEMAN)
POLICEMAN	Mrs Webster !
ANN	Yes ?
POLICEMAN	We've had a report, Madam — there might be nothing in it, you understand — that a little girl answering to the description of your daughter was seen walking with the donkeys as they were leaving the beach.
ANN	Yes ?
POLICEMAN	Does that seem likely, Madam ?
ANN	Likely ? Yes, I suppose so. She's crazy about animals. Especially horses. Thank you ! I'll go up to the stables.
POLICEMAN	We've already checked there, Mrs Webster.
ANN	Oh.
POLICEMAN	There's no one there, I'm afraid. And the donkeys have been fed and stabled.
ANN	And the donkey man ?
POLICEMAN	He's not there, Madam.
ANN	But, surely, someone must know where he is !
POLICEMAN	I'm afraid not. He doesn't work like that, if you follow me. He just — well, comes and goes, sort of. A bit erratic, you might say.
ANN	Erratic ?
POLICEMAN	Oh, we've nothing against the man. Nothing like that. But he's not what you might call a solid citizen.
ANN	I don't understand.
POLICEMAN	You know . . . Bare feet. Never wears a shirt on the beach. And he has one of those medallion things round his neck.
ANN	You mean he's — eccentric ?
POLICEMAN	Well, yes. I guess you could call him that.
ANN	Is he — is he safe ?
POLICEMAN	Safe, Madam ?
ANN	I mean with children.
POLICEMAN	There's not a lot known about him. He's never been in trouble with us. Tell you the truth, he seems to want to avoid us. Most of the people down there — the stall-holders and boatmen and such — they always like a word or two with us when we see them. But not him. But, to be fair, we've nothing against him really.
ANN	But you are looking for him ?
POLICEMAN	Oh yes ! Of course we don't know for sure that he's even seen your daughter, you understand. But we'll ask him when we see him. Perhaps when you see your husband you'll let him know. So that he can keep an eye out, I mean. He'll be easier to spot than a little girl.
ANN	Why do you say that ?
POLICEMAN	Of course you've not seen him yet. You'll easily recognize him. Early thirties, I'd say. Dark curly hair. And he's very brown. Hardly ever wears a shirt, you see. A bit of a gipsy, like. Oh, and he wears a gold earring in one of his ears. The left, I think.
ANN	Thanks. I'll let my husband know, He said he'd come back here every half-hour. To see if there's any news.
POLICEMAN	I should try not to worry, Mrs Webster. If I had a pound for every time this happens in a season I wouldn't have to worry about my next pay-rise. Could she find her own way back here ? On her own ?
ANN	I — I'm not sure. I don't think so. We've only been here a couple of nights.
POLICEMAN	Ah well, that does make it a bit more difficult.
ANN	Difficult ?
POLICEMAN	Well, they do often come back under their own steam, you know, But if she doesn't know the way then we'll just have to find her ourselves, won't we ? (BEGIN FADE) Don't worry, Madam. We'll be in touch.
	(FADE OUT. CUT IN DAVID'S VOICE)
DAVID	I'm sure she's not on the beach. I've scoured it from end to end. More than once. I don't see how I could have missed her if she was there. Besides, there aren't many people about now. Most of the families have gone home for tea. It's getting a bit too cool to sit about.
ANN	The police have been.
DAVID	Yes ?
ANN	They seem to think she might be with the donkey man.
DAVID	Oh, good ! Let's hope so, anyway.
ANN	I — I'm not sure about that. He sounds — odd.
DAVID	Odd ?
ANN	He's - well, they don't seem to know a lot about him. How can they say that ? He lives here ! They see him all the time. He's dark and gipsyish, they say, and he wears an earring. He doesn't wear shoes. And mostly he doesn't wear a shirt.
DAVID	I don't much care for the sound of that, either. I'll find the stables.
ANN	He isn't there ! The police have been.
DAVID	All right, I'll look round the town then.
ANN	I'll come with you.
DAVID	Ann, you ought to stay here. Somebody should.
ANN	I'm not staying here any longer. Mrs Chambers is back now. I'm sure she'll keep an eye open for her. Besides, I'm not even sure Judy knows her way back here.
DAVID	Just as you say. But perhaps we'd better split up. We'll have a better chance that way.
ANN	Yes, yes. Of course you're right. (BEGINNING TO BREAK DOWN) Oh God, please let her be —
DAVID	Get your jacket, Ann. It's turning chilly. Come on ! We'll find her !
ANN	Yes, yes. It's all right, David, I'm coming. But I must have a word with Mrs Chambers first. (GOING) You get my jacket, will you ? It's in my — in our room. (CUT. CUT IN VOICE OF MRS CHAMBERS)
MRS CHAMBERS	Yes, of course, Mrs Webster. Only too pleased. I'm sure you know that. There isn't any news of her then ?
ANN	Only that they say she's been seen with the man who has the donkeys.
MRS CHAMBERS	Oh, him.
ANN	Mrs Chambers, is there something wrong ?
MRS CHAMBERS	Oh, no, no !
ANN	What do you know about him ?
MRS CHAMBERS	Well, I don't know him, you understand. Seems nobody does, much.
ANN	Mrs Chambers, it's important. Judy may be with him.
MRS CHAMBERS	Well, they do say he's been in — one of them places.
ANN	Prison ?
MRS CHAMBERS	Oh, no, no ! There's nothing of that. No, the - the asylum. Mental hospital, you know.
ANN	Oh, God !
MRS CHAMBERS	Oh, he's harmless enough, they say. But he only seems to talk to children. Won't have much to do with grown- ups. And policemen upset him, they say.
ANN	I must go !
MRS CHAMBERS	I reckon he must be what they call in these parts a natural. Simple, you know. But I never heard of him doing anything like this before.
ANN Like - like this ?
MRS CHAMBERS	Well, taking a child.
ANN	You will keep an eye out for her, won't you ? I — I must go ! My husband's waiting.
	(FADE IN SEA SOUNDS. DAVID'S VOICE OVER)
DAVID	Take no notice of the silly old fool, Ann. We're not even sure Judy's with him. It's all — hearsay.
ANN	I think she is. She - she will be all right, won't she ?
DAVID	Come on ! Let's try the playground again.
ANN	Yes.
DAVID	Hold on ! Here's the policeman again.
POLICEMAN	Good evening, sir. I see you brought your wife after all.
DAVID	Yes, the landlady at The Cedars promised to keep a look-out there.
POLICEMAN	I see. Mrs Chambers, you mean.
DAVID	You know her ?
POLICEMAN	Yes, sir. Has she been saying — ?
ANN	She said this man — this donkey man — was, well, unstable.
POLICEMAN	I wouldn't take too much notice of that sort of talk, Mrs Webster. As I said, he's never given us any trouble.
DAVID	Look, is it certain she's with him ?
POLICEMAN	I think so, sir. We've had another report that he was seen with a little girl. And we've no report of any other child missing.
DAVID	Oh, I see.
POLICEMAN	I'm afraid we've got a problem.
DAVID	} What's that ?
ANN	} Oh, no !
POLICEMAN	This chap — well, he's known to get a bit — upset at the sight of a policeman. Or a uniform, perhaps. We're not sure which it is. He — well, he just takes off.
DAVID	Takes off ?
POLICEMAN	Runs away. And if your little girl is with him — !
ANN	Oh, God ! What can we do ?
POLICEMAN	The sergeant suggests that if we see him we keep clear, and let you tackle him. Otherwise — well, there's no saying what he might do.
DAVID	Ann, I think you'd better stay out of this. Leave him to me. If we see him, I'll do the tackling. (BEGIN FADE) Come on, let's try the playground.
	(FADE OUT. FADE IN VOICE OF POLICEMAN)
POLICEMAN	You haven't seen her then, sir ?
DAVID	No. Good God, how can a man disappear like that ? Somebody must have seen him.
POLICEMAN	Yes, sir, they have. We've had several sightings reported. But the people who reported it, well, they'd no reason to suspect anything, you know.
DAVID	No, I suppose not.
POLICEMAN	Look, sir, don't you think your wife would be better back at the hotel.
ANN	No !
POLICEMAN	It's getting late, madam. There's not a lot you can do that we're not doing already. Me and the sergeant will be looking out for them until we hand over to the ten o'clock shift.
DAVID	Yes, of course.
POLICEMAN	Don't get me wrong, sir. I'm not saying that me and the sergeant'll be packing it in at ten. But we'll be glad of the extra help.
ANN	That's very — very kind of you.
POLICEMAN	I've got a little girl that age, myself.
DAVID	Look, Ann, won't you go back ? There won't be a lot we can do when it begins to get dark. I'll stay with the constable here — if you don't mind, constable ?
POLICEMAN	I think that's a good idea, sir. Then if — when we see him, you'll be on hand.
ANN	Then I'll go with the sergeant !
DAVID	Ann — !
ANN	Think about it ! Suppose the sergeant sees him first ? He'd have to wait till they get hold of one of us !
DAVID	All right, darling. I couldn't go back there either.
POLICEMAN	Right, sir. You hang on here then, and I'll take your good lady to the sergeant. Shan't be many minutes ! (BEGIN FADE) If you're ready, madam ?
	(FADE OUT. BRING UP SOUND OF SEA. TAKE DOWN AGAIN, VOICE OF ANN OVER)
ANN	(SOBBING) David ! David !
DAVID	Here ! (PAUSE) Darling ! What is it ?
ANN	She's back ! She's back ! She's at the hotel !
DAVID	Oh, thank God ! Thank God ! (PAUSE) Ann — !
ANN	Yes ?
DAVID	Is she - is she all right ?
ANN	I don't know ! I haven't seen her. Mrs Chambers rang the police station. The sergeant had only just heard when we got there.
DAVID	Come on, then ! Run ! Give me your hand !
	(THE SOUND OF THEIR FEET IS HEARD DYING AWAY. CUT IN VOICE OF MRS CHAMBERS)
MRS CHAMBERS	Cheeky as you like ! Brought her right to the door, he did ! But then he saw my husband, and he didn't stop to argue, I can tell you. Just left her there, and ran off !
POLICEMAN	The doctor's with her now, madam.
ANN	Oh no ! You mean — ?
POLICEMAN	We always do, madam. Call the doctor in. (PAUSE) Ah, here he is now !
DAVID	Well ?
DOCTOR	(APPROACHING) Mr Webster ?
DAVID	That's right.
DOCTOR	She's fine ! No harm done. She's rather tired, perhaps. She's done a fair amount of walking, I gather. But she's not even hungry, she says.
ANN	But — I don't understand. He — left her and ran away.
DOCTOR	So I'm told. It doesn't surprise me.
DAVID	You mean — ?
DOCTOR	I know the man in question. I expect he took fright at seeing this lady's husband.
MRS CHAMBERS	My husband ?
POLICEMAN	It was the uniform, I expect. The coastguard uniform.
ANN	But why should a uniform do that ?
DOCTOR	It might take a long time to go into that, Mrs Webster. I've treated this man in the past. It's just one of those things.
DAVID	But why a uniform ?
DOCTOR	We all have fears, Mr Webster. Sometimes they're rational, sometimes not. I have a horror of frogs. Don't ask me why.
DAVID	But surely there's a reason for this one ?
DOCTOR	Yes, there is. But it's not one I'd want to discuss, except with the patient himself, you understand.
DAVID	Does that mean he gets away with it ?
DOCTOR	It might be best to talk to your daughter first, Mr Webster. I don't think you'll find her any worse for her experience.
DAVID	That's because she's not old enough to understand ! She doesn't appreciate the danger.
ANN	Let's leave it, David !
DAVID	Leave it ? Leave it ? What about next time ? With some other kid ?
ANN	Your wife is right, Mr Webster. Better leave it.
DAVID	He's got to be stopped.
DOCTOR	That would depend on what you thought you were stopping, I imagine. But I'd speak to your daughter before you do anything.
DAVID	We will ! Come on, Ann ?
ANN	Thank you, doctor. Thank you very much. And you, constable. All of you ! (BEGIN FADE) I — we're very grateful.
	(FADE OUT. CUT IN DAVID'S VOICE)
DAVID	It's no good, Ann. She doesn't know what we're talking about.
ANN	She's eight !
DAVID	I know, I know ! But how do we know he hasn't harmed her ?
ANN	The doctor said not.
DAVID	No, not — physically, But there are — other ways.
ANN	David, weren't you listening ? She likes him !
DAVID	But would she if she — ?
ANN	If she weren't innocent, you mean ?
DAVID	Something like that.
ANN	Why don't we talk to him ?
DAVID	I don't think I want to. Not that sort.
ANN	It's not my idea we should talk to him, actually.
DAVID	Oh ?
ANN	It was the doctor's idea. When you said you wanted him charged. He said we should both talk to the man. He said if you understood him, you would forgive him.
DAVID	Forgive him ? Can you forgive him yesterday afternoon ? And last night ?
ANN	She's back. And she's unharmed. That's all I care about.
DAVID	How can you overlook that ?
ANN	You forget. I've had to learn to overlook a lot of things.
DAVID	All right, if you want it that way, we'll talk to him before we do anything. In the morning, though. (BEGIN FADE) It's late. I've got to go.
	(FADE OUT. CUT IN ANN'S VOICE)
ANN	There he is ! Over there ! With the donkeys !
DAVID	Right ! Leave this to me !
ANN	No !
DAVID	What d'you mean, no ?
ANN	I'm not sure what I mean. I just don't think you're the right person. Not just now.
DAVID	I just don't understand you.
ANN	No. You're much too sorry for yourself. You're not the one to talk to him.
DAVID	That's right ! Rub it in !
ANN	Oh, David, I'm not doing that ! I'm much too glad. About - about everything. About Judy, and everything. That woman — she just doesn't matter any more !
DAVID	No, you're right. She doesn't.
ANN	Because of Judy.
DAVID	No, not because of Judy. Not entirely, anyway.
ANN	Oh, David, I'm glad !
DAVID	Ann, darling ! What can I say ?
ANN	Don't say anything. Just go and get your things.
DAVID	My things ?
ANN	From the Rising Sun.
DAVID	Do you mean that ?
ANN	If I did anything — before, I mean — that made you leave, I'm sorry !
DAVID	Ann, please — !
ANN	When you're hurt, you — bang about. I know. That's why I don't want you to talk to the donkey man.
DAVID	I see. Right, then. I'll see you in the usual place on the beach, eh ? (GOING) Shan't be long !
	(PAUSE)
ANN	(APPROACHING) I'm sorry, I don't know your name. I — I wanted to thank you for bringing my little girl back last night !
	(THE DONKEY MAN'S VOICE IS GENTLE AND SURPRISINGLY 'CULTURED')
DONKEY MAN	It was no trouble at all !
ANN	She says you were — kind to her. That you put your coat round her, and gave her something to eat. (PAUSE) Can I do anything in return ?
DONKEY MAN	There really is no need, I assure you.
ANN	I mean, in return for your kindness.
DONKEY MAN	No, thank you. Just be kind.
ANN	Just be — ?
DONKEY MAN	You mustn't think when you cast your bread on the waters, it's going to come back on the same wave with interest.
ANN	I'm surprised to hear you say that you don't believe in casting your bread on the waters.
DONKEY MAN	I'm afraid you misunderstand me. I merely said don't expect it back on the same wave.
ANN	You mean it might be much later ?
DONKEY MAN	I mean it might be another wave entirely. It might be returned by someone else. No, I mean it will be.
ANN	You believe that ?
DONKEY MAN	Don't you ?
ANN	Well, yes, I suppose I do. I really hadn't thought about it much. (PAUSE) They told me you don't much like talking to grown-ups.
DONKEY MAN	I find it difficult. Sometimes.
ANN	You're talking to me.
DONKEY MAN	You forgive people.
ANN	Do I ? How do you know that ?
DONKEY MAN	I don't know it. I feel it.
ANN	How odd ! Like children do !
DONKEY MAN	No, not quite like children. Children don't forgive.
ANN	Oh, come !
DONKEY MAN	No, they do better. They forget.
ANN	I'll remember that ! (PAUSE) Tell me, why did it take so long to bring her back ?
DONKEY MAN	She didn't know the way. And I - I couldn't ask, you see. And she couldn't remember where you were staying. So we just had to walk until she saw a place she knew. I'm sorry it took so long. It must have been a very bad time for you.
ANN	But you fed her and kept her warm. There's no way I can thank you enough. I know, I know ! Just be kind.
DONKEY MAN	(LAUGHS) That's it !
ANN	May I ask you a great favour ?
DONKEY MAN	Be my guest.
ANN	Will you let Judy come and help you with the donkeys ?
DONKEY MAN	If you think she would like that.
ANN	I know she would ! And I very much want her to, if you wouldn't mind.
DONKEY MAN	Any time she wants to come.
ANN	Thank you ! Thank you very much ! I'll tell her ! (BEGIN FADE) She'll be delighted !
	(FADE OUT. CUT IN DAVID'S VOICE)
DAVID	Ann, darling ! Whatever's wrong ?
ANN	(WEEPING) It's nothing !
DAVID	Was it — him ? That donkey man ?
ANN	No, it's me ! I feel — shabby !
DAVID	You should have let me speak to him !
ANN	Judy darling, the donkey man says you can help him any time you like !
DAVID	Ann, are you out of your mind ?
ANN	I suppose I am. In a way. At least, I'm not in the same mind I was.
DAVID	What on earth do you mean ? I don't understand !
ANN	That makes two of us, darling. I — I think it may take some time, that's all.