The Shakespeare Stealer

When Widge discloses to Falconer that he has missed some sections of the play, Falconer grows angry and tells Widge that he will have to attend the play again. As Falconer stalks off, he knocks another man off balance in the process. The man falls into a drainage ditch, and then he bounces up and lunges after Falconer, attacking him. Falconer quickly disarms the other man and continues on his way, leaving Widge behind with his victim. The victim questions Widge about Falconer, but Widge pretends not to know Falconer, claiming to be just another theatre attendee.

The man continues conversing with Widge, and he informs Widge that he is the company’s fencing master. Widge is torn between catching up to Falconer and learning more about the theatre from the man. When the fencing master finally leaves, Widge is able to ask a “cheerful fishwife” for directions back to The George (57). Once Widge returns to the inn, he finds Falconer eating supper. Falconer questions Widge about his conversation with the fencing master. Once he is satisfied that Widge did not reveal anything important, Falconer heads upstairs to his room.