Victor

Adapted from Mary Shelley's classic novel:

‘Frankenstein’

by

Alistair Faulkner

Some may recall that the story of Victor Frankenstein and his creature ends in the frozen wastes of the Arctic, but few know what really happened on their fateful journey north...............

© Alistair Faulkner 1999

11 Coldharbour Lane, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP2 7BY

Tel. 01722  415117 e-mail      info@alistair-faulkner.co.uk

CAST

The parts of Ewan Sinclair and the Creature can be doubled. The minimum cast is therefore 6 actors.

Settings

The action takes place on a small island at the extreme north of the British Isles in the early part of the last century. Scenes include the inside and outside of Dr Gifford's house and a cliff-top.

Victor's box of instruments

The important prop of Victor's box of instruments and pistol is available from the original production. Contact the author.

Act 1

Scene 1

The interior of Doctor Gifford's house on an island at the extreme north of the British Isles. It is a gloomy afternoon in autumn in the first half of the last century. There is the sound of a wind. The simply furnished room is possibly where the occupants of the house spend much of their time. There is a hearth where kettles might be kept warm, a table, a few chairs and some form of dresser or cupboard. Although James Gifford is a doctor, his house is still little more than a crofter's cottage.

The room is empty for a little while until we hear someone calling from some distance off.

Agnes. (Calling). James?... James?... (Nearer). James?

Agnes Gifford enters. She is a small, dark young woman and a native of the isles.

Agnes. (To someone still outside). Come in, sir, I'll find my brother.

Agnes is followed on by Robert Walton, an Englishman. He wears furs, sea- fearing boots and has the unkempt appearance and heavy beard of an explorer. He carries a large wooden trunk but well concealed under a sailcloth cover.

Walton. Thank you.

Agnes. (Calling off through an inner door). James? (Turning back to Walton). We're not often getting visitors these days, so you'll stop a while and have supper with us?

Walton places the trunk on a chair.

Walton. No - thank you.... My boat's waiting for me.

Agnes. As you will. (Calling off again). James? We have a visitor! (Turning back to Walton). I expect my brother won't be long.

Walton. Thank you.

There is a pause as Agnes looks a little uncertainly at the covered trunk.

Walton. (Noticing her look). We had to anchor in the bay, you're harbour was full to the brim with tiny fishing boats.

Agnes. The sixerns, aye. They'll have come in from the háf grounds.

Walton. The where?

Agnes. The deep waters to the east.

Walton. They fish the open sea in those rowing boats?

Agnes. They'd be out there now but for this breeze blowing up.

Walton. A breeze you call it?

Agnes. We are used to strong winds up here, captain.

James Gifford enters, a slight and dark young man, the male equivalent of his sister. One slightly strange thing about him is that his left hand is in a black glove and he holds his whole left arm rather stiffly.

Agnes. Ah, James, we have a visitor.

Walton. (Shaking hands). How do you do? My name is Walton, Captain Walton.

James. How do you do?

Walton. And you are Doctor Gifford?

James is looking at Walton's appearance and glancing at his sister.

James. Aye.

Walton. You must excuse my rather wild appearance, doctor. I have been three months in the frozen seas of the north.

James. The Arctic?

Agnes. (Significantly). Yes, James. The Arctic.

James and Agnes exchange looks.

James. You'll take a chair, captain - and a glass of whisky?

Walton. I'm afraid I mustn't stay long.

James. The dram'll stop this wind from blowing right through you on your way back to the harbour.

Pause.

Walton. (Reluctantly). Then thank you, yes.

James. Agnes?

Agnes. Yes, James.

Agnes pours two glasses of whisky.

Walton sits.

James. We don't get many visitors calling on us now, do we Agnes?

Agnes. That's right enough.

James. Let alone English explorers. (Probing). Is it my medical services you require for yourself or your men?

Walton. No, not that.

James. A social visit then? You must stay and have supper with us. Mustn't he, Agnes?

Agnes. I've already -

Walton. I'm afraid I must get back to my ship soon. The weather looks like it's blowing up to be a storm, an easterly too.

James. Aye. That it does.

Pause.

Agnes gives Walton his whisky.

Walton. Thank you.

Agnes gives James his whisky.

James. Fair health't'ye.

Walton. And to you.

They drink.

James notices the box covered with sail cloth and gives Agnes another tense glance.

James. What took you up to the polar seas, captain, if you don't mind my asking?

Walton. This is an age of discoveries. Well I hardly need tell a doctor that, do I? Every day our men of science find new laws, new inventions, and explorers chart deeper into undiscovered lands.

James. Aye, they do.

Walton. And so you see I thought I might succeed where others had failed.

James. To do what?

Walton. To reach the China seas by sailing right over the top of the world - to find the north west passage through to the Pacific.... And if not that, well, I thought I might at least discover what strange land lies at the earth's pole. (Pause). But it was a foolish dream.

Agnes. But they say there is an undiscovered country on top of the world, don't they? Isn't it where the tirricks go - the white terns that fly north in the spring?... And they say in the mid-summer time, that the snow and frost are banished there, and the sun's rays and perpetual day warm a land of wonders..... Well, that's what they say.

Pause.

Walton. Then I'm sorry to disappoint you, but they are wrong, lady.... It is a fearful and God forsaken place, and there is nothing there but ice.... Ice as far as the eye can see. Ice, ice, and more ice. My ship was trapped in wasteland of it. For three weeks it held us fast and threatened to crush the vessel to splinters...... Frost like you've never seen clung to our masts and rigging till the ship was pure white, and blizzards piled snow on us, trying their best to bury us alive.... It is an awful place. (He takes a shot of his drink, then glances at the two, uneasily). So you can imagine our surprise when from out of this frozen wasteland, hundreds of miles from the nearest land - there came a man.

James and Agnes exchange looks again.

James. A man?

Walton. He pulled his own sledge, the last of his dogs had died some days before. His limbs were frozen and his body wasted, but yes - a man. And I think you knew him, because when he came on board he spoke of you both and of his time here on your island.... And that is why I have come. (Getting up). He asked me - made me promise on my honour - to deliver this to you. (He goes to where he left the trunk. He lifts it onto the table). He said I should guard it with my life and let no man attempt to open it. He had it with him in his sledge.

Walton removes the sailcloth to reveal a stout and polished hardwood trunk with brass fittings.

James and Agnes stare at it.

James. Did he tell you his story? His life?

Walton. Yes.

James. So you know what lies within this box.

Walton. No - but I might guess.

Agnes. Did you believe his story?

Walton. At first it seemed incredible. And perhaps I did not want to believe it either. But in the end I saw things with my own eyes that made me believe.

James. What things?

Walton hesitates.

James. What things did you see?

The sound of the wind increases. Walton appears uncomfortable.

Walton. I have no time to tell you. I must thank you for the whisky and be gone.

James. For God's sake man -

Walton. But I have written it down.

James. We need to know.

Agnes. We have a thousand things to ask you.

Walton. (He takes a wadge of papers from his pocket). I'm sorry, but the more this wind swings to the east the harder time we'll have getting out of the bay.

James. Did he tell you of his search? Did he succeed in his task?

Walton. It's written here.

Agnes. What was his news?

Walton. I'm sorry, I have no time. (Thrusting the papers into James' hand). Read what I have written.

Agnes. But is he well?

Walton. Read it.

Agnes. Is he with you?

Walton. (Moving to go). I have discharged my duty - you have the box. I must think of my ship.

Agnes. But what happened to him?

Walton. (He hesitates). He is not with me, lady. The rest you must read.

James. But did you see anyone else on the ice?

Walton. (Hesitating again). I must leave.

James. Did you see anyone else?

Walton. (At the door, hesitating again). Yes. Yes, I did. But those last days are all there, you will learn for yourself.

Agnes. But -

Walton. The wind is growing stronger. I mustn't delay.

James. But who was it you saw?

Walton. (Nearly out). I can't risk my ship or my men being lost, not now, not having come this far.

Agnes. Who was it?

Walton. (Exiting, shouting back). An easterly is an ill-favoured wind, wild and unpredictable!..... I must think of my ship!

James stares for a while at the papers, his sister looks at him.

Agnes. News - of Victor.

Pause. James is lost in his thoughts. .

James. An easterly is an ill-favoured wind. (He looks at his gloved hand, holding it out stiffly in front of him)... Aye.... That it is.

The lights fade to black and the sound of the wind increases. It is augmented by the thunderous sound of waves breaking.

Scene 2

It is six months earlier and we are on a beach in the midst of a storm. It is very nearly pitch dark.

James and Agnes now have cloak or coat and shawl, etc. James holds a hurricane lamp. He has no black glove on his left hand.

Ewan Sinclair is with them. A tall man and well built. He is more prepared for the weather with long coat, boots, and his head well muffled virtually obscuring his features. He too carries a hurricane lamp.

Ewan. (Shouting above the storm and gesticulating to make himself understood). I saw the lights from the castle! She went aground on the outer- skerries!

The others huddle together and nod.

Ewan. The wreckage will go here into this bay and north onto the flat rocks. You stay here, it's safer. I'll take my men to the rocks.

James. Aye.

Ewan. And be careful! Don't go too near the surf, a big wave might come and drag you in!

The others nod. Ewan exits.

James and Agnes peer into the darkness.

James. He should build a lighthouse up on the head.

Agnes. What was that?

James. I said, Ewan Sinclair should build a lighthouse up on the head!

Agnes. Aye, aye. (She continues to look into the darkness).

James. This is the second time this year an easterly has driven a boat ashore.

Agnes. That's true enough.

James. It would help his own fishermen too, and he could easily afford to bear the cost himself. The man just doesn't care.

Agnes. What was that?

James. I said the man just doesn't care!

Agnes. I'm sorry James, I can't hear you.

James. Oh, it doesn't matter.

They stare into the darkness.

Agnes. Look!

James. Where?

Agnes. There! Is that a man?

James. I can't see anything.

Agnes. I thought I saw a man, a head in the water... Look, there, see?!

James. Aye, perhaps.

Agnes. Perhaps?

James. It might be a man.

Agnes. (Gasping). God! Will you look how the waves throw him!

James. Poor devil.

Agnes. He's gone. I can't see him.

They stare into the darkness.

Agnes. No, look, there he his again, over there in the surf!

James. Here, hold the light. He'll maybe come to the beach on the next wave.

Agnes. Be careful, James!

James goes off into the darkness.

Agnes. Be careful!

There is a pause as Agnes peers off into the darkness. The waves pound.

James comes on dragging the limp and wet body of a man. He bends over him trying to see if he's breathing. He tries to find a pulse.

Agnes. Is he alive?

James. (Opening up an eye-lid). Possibly. Or life might be put back in him.

James rolls the man over on to his front and pushes down on his back.

James. Come on.... Breathe!.... Breathe!

He bends over him again trying to see if he's breathing.

James. Hold the lamp closer.

Agnes. He's gone hasn't he?

James. I'm trying to see.

Agnes. The spirit's out of him.

There is no sign of life. He pushes down on his back again.

James. Not yet it isn't, not while there's a pulse. Breathe, damn you!

On the second or third push the man gives a cough and a splutter.

James. There now, see?

Agnes. You did it!

James rolls the man back over and sits him up.

The man shows signs of consciousness. He opens his eyes and looks about him in a dazed manner.

James. Not much like heaven, is it my friend? And far too cold for hell! You're alive!

The man shows signs of relief and a few more coughs.

James. Do you feel pain anywhere?

The man shakes his head.

Agnes. His hands are frozen, the poor body.

James. Can you feel this? (He pinches his hand).

The man shakes his head.

James. The sea's chilled him. We must get him away into the warm quickly.... Can you walk?

The man nods.

They get him to his feet.

We move back inside to where other lamps are lit and a fire burns. The effect is of warmth but they cast large and eerie shadows in the firelight. We can see the man more clearly now. He is in his late twenties or early thirties and is dressed in good clothes.

The sound of the storm diminishes.

Agnes. I'll get some blankets.

Agnes goes out.

James. (Sitting the man down close to the fire). There now. We'll have you warm on the outside in no time, and a toddy will warm you from the inside.

James busies himself with the hot water and whisky.

The man shivers, still in a dazed state. He begins to close his eyes.

James. I may be a doctor with all the wonderful new medicines at my command, but a hot whisky is what you need more than anything else at the moment. (He glances at the man). Stay awake now. We don't want you slipping into a coma from the cold. We must get you warm again before you can sleep.

The man nods in agreement.

James. You were lucky, very lucky, just a few more minutes in that icy water and it would have been the end of you and no mistake. (He stops his preparations for a while and looks at the stranger). I have to say you don't look much like a fisherman. Where are you from, and what's your name?

The man just stares at James.

Agnes returns with a blanket.

Agnes. Here we are. And Freya is seeing to the small room.

James. Good.

Agnes puts the blanket round the man. She smiles at him.

Agnes. Are you feeling warmer?

The man nods. Agnes moves to James.

Agnes. (Half whispering). His clothes look fine, like a gentleman, but foreign.

James. Aye, but he seems to understand us right enough. (To the man). Here, drink this. It'll make you feel better.

The man drinks, but the spirit makes him catch his breath and cough. He winces with the pain and holds his side.

James. You feel pain now?

The man nods.

James. Well that's good, your senses are returning. Let's have a look at you then.

He undoes the man's coat and feels his ribs.

James. Does this hurt?

The man winces and nods.

James. You've got a broken rib or two by the looks of things - which is not surprising.

Agnes. We saw the waves break over you and toss you on to the beach like a piece of driftwood.

James. Does it hurt anywhere else? Can you get up for me?

At this moment Ewan Sinclair enters still heavily muffled up.

The man looks highly alarmed and leaps to his feet, backing away.

James. Steady now, steady. It's only the Laird.

Ewan. (Uncovering his head). God - what a night.... Hello? At least one survivor then?

James. And no broken limbs by the look of it.

Agnes. (Leading the man back). You're safe now. There's nothing to be afraid of here.

The man resumes his seat, looking as if he has given something away. He keeps hold of Agnes' hand for some time.

Ewan. I've got two men for you to look at, James. No hope for them though. We hooked them off the flat rocks. Cold and still as the rocks themselves, but you'd better come and look.

James. I'll see to the living, Ewan, before looking at the dead.

Ewan. Aye. Well they'll surely wait for you. (To the man). You're fortunate you were washed into the sandy bay, my friend, not onto the rocks. You're lucky to be alive.

Victor. I cannot die, not yet.

He speaks hoarsely and with difficulty. He has a slight Germanic accent.

James. So, you can speak.

Victor. But it is painful.

James. You've had sea water in your lungs, sand too probably. Not very nice.

Victor. Where am I?

James. Norsay.

Victor. And where is that?

Ewan. As far north as you can go and find men that speak the language of the English - just. And where are you from?

Victor. Rotterdam.

Ewan. Ah, a Dutch-man.

Victor. No. I am not Dutch.

James. But is that your home?

Victor. No. I have no home.

Ewan. What's your native country then?

Victor. I was born in Naples. But my country is Switzerland. I am from Geneva.

Ewan. Swiss, eh?.... And your name?

Pause.

Victor. This drink is good, warming. May I have some more? Please?

Agnes. Of course.

Victor. This is very kind of you.

Ewan. Won't you tell us your name?

Pause.

Victor. Victor.... My name is Victor.

Ewan. Just? -

Victor. Just Victor.

Ewan. Well, Victor, (Shaking hands). I am Ewan Sinclair.

Victor. How do you do.

Agnes. Ewan is the Laird.

Victor. Laird?

Ewan. Norsay is my island, I own it. The crofts, the fishing boats, even the doctor's house here is mine - and the beach where you were washed up. But seeing as how you came here not of your own free will, (with a smile) I won't charge you with trespass.

James. We should have fewer such trespassers, Ewan, if you were to build a lighthouse. Fewer of your own fishermen lost too. And you can well afford it.

Ewan. I'm afraid the good doctor doesn't appreciate my sense of humour.

James. No. And no more do the men you hooked off the rocks.

Agnes. James.

Ewan. It's all right, Agnes. Your brother is my conscience. I don't mind him pricking me from time to time.... Now, Victor, what boat were you travelling on? I shall need to inform the authorities.

Victor. A whaler. The master was a man named Wendler. (Urgently). But there was another boat, three or four leagues north of us when the storm came. Would that have been wrecked too?

Ewan. Three or four leagues north, you say?.. Then no. Blown right past these islands I shouldn't wonder. There's nothing north of here but a thousand miles of ocean and then the frozen seas.

Victor. The seas of ice... Yes.

Ewan. But was it a fleet of whalers you were with?

Victor. No... Just the two.

Ewan. What was the name of the other boat?

Victor. I don't know.

Ewan glances at the others. All this seems most strange.

Ewan. A whaler is rather a curious means of transport for a young gentleman from Switzerland, if I may says so. What were you doing aboard? And where were you going?

Victor. North, I suppose.... I'm not sure.

Ewan. Not sure?

Victor. Towards the ice perhaps.... I don't know, I'm sorry... I -

James. I think he should rest. He's probably confused.

Victor. Please.

Freya Gifford enters, quietly. She is very attractive. There is a Scandinavian look to her, but she speaks with the same island accent as the others, but perhaps with an attempt at gentility - when she wants to impress.

The others do not at first notice her.

Agnes. You must forgive us - Victor. We don't get many visitors and certainly not all the way from Switzerland. The outside word seems strange to us, like in a book. Most of us have never set foot off the island. We are born on Norsay, live on Norsay, and die on Norsay.

Freya. Well I am certainly not going to die on Norsay.

The others turn to her.

James. Ah, Freya.

Ewan. Good e'n to you, Mrs Gifford.

Freya. Mr Sinclair. (To Victor). You see we shan't be here much longer. My husband and I are going to London soon. He's going to be a famous doctor.

This bald statement receives a somewhat silent response.

James. Yes, well, we'll see...... This is Victor, my dear; a foundling snatched from the sea.

Freya. How do you do?

James. My wife, Freya.

Victor. (Looking at her quite intently). I am pleased to meet you.

Freya. (To James). The fire is lit and there is fresh, warm bedding in the small room.

James. Thank you.

Agnes. Victor is Swiss, from Geneva.

Freya. (With more interest). Geneva?

Victor. Yes.

Pause.

James. (To Victor, aware of his gaze). Well, let's get you out of these wet clothes and into bed. You need to sleep. And I need to look at those ribs and bind you up.

Agnes. I'll help you.

James and Agnes assist Victor up and out of the room.

James. I'll give you something to help with the pain too.

Victor. Thank you.

Before going out Victor stares at Freya for some time, then turns to James.

Victor. You have a beautiful wife. You must take care of her - great care of her.

James. Yes.... Yes, thank you.... (with an embarrassed smile) I do try to.... This way.

Victor, James and Agnes exit.

Pause.

Ewan. Strange man.... (Pondering). Victor..... Victor.

Freya collects the toddy glass. Ewan watches her. She notices him watching her.

Freya. Will the laird take a measure of my husband's whisky? I'm sure James wouldn't mind.

Ewan. Aye. Thank you. (He sits). On a night like this I need a wet to warm me.

She goes to the bottle. Ewan continues to watch her.

Ewan. So, you're going to London soon?

Freya. Aye.

Ewan. I don't suppose it was of much interest to our ship-wrecked visitor.

Freya. Perhaps.

Ewan. Something of a surprise though.

Freya. Oh?

Ewan. To your husband too, I'd say.

Freya. Not at all.

Ewan. Ah.... That was always part of the bargain, was it? ‘You can marry me, but only if you take me away from these grubby crofters and the constant smell of fish.

Freya. James needs to pursue his studies and career in London, he's wasted here.

Ewan. And no doubt you think someone else is wasted here too.

Freya. Well I can't go off to London on my own, can I?...... Not like sons of the Laird.

Ewan. Laird, now. Not just the son.

Freya. You were just the son then.

Pause.

Freya. (She goes very close to him to give him his drink). Fair hel't'ye.

Ewan. (Taking the drink). And to you. (He drinks). Aah... That's good... (Aware of her proximity). Hold yourself much closer, Freya, and the salt water from my coat will soak through to your petticoats.

Freya. (Not moving). You can take your wet things off, Mr Sinclair, and make yourself at home. This is your own house after all.

Ewan. I shall be going out again soon, thank you, Mrs Gifford - when your husband returns.... And tell me? Do you always wear such perfume for every-day about the house? Isn't it rather a waste? Or does it help to blot out the smell of the drying fish?

Freya breaks away.

Ewan. You should have waited.

Freya. And for how long? You were away four years, but it might have been fourteen or forty. How was I to know.

Ewan. But I'm back now.

Freya. And what's that supposed to mean?

Ewan. Whatever you want it to mean.

Pause.

Freya. I married James Gifford, the most intelligent man on the island and therefore the man most likely to move off the island. Why should I now attach myself to the resident laird and be tied to this God forsaken rock for ever?

Ewan. Have you never heard of absentee landlords?

James enters.

James. He's sleeping.

Ewan. Good.

James. So let's see to these other poor fellows.

Ewan. (Getting up). Aye.... (Draining his glass). You keep a good whisky, James - and a good wife. (He goes to the door and turns). You'll have to be keeping an eye on her in London, though.

Ewan exits.

James looks to his wife, then exits himself.

Scene 2

It is a few days later and we are outside on a still, spring evening. During the scene the light gets gradually dimmer.

Victor is sitting in a chair, reading.

Agnes enters. She carries a basket of fresh mussels. She stops, watches Victor for some time then decides to speak.

Agnes. Hello.

Victor. (Looking up from his book). Hello, Agnes.

Agnes. How are you feeling?

Victor. Stronger, thank you.

Agnes. Strong enough to bring a chair out and sit in the sun I see.

Victor. Your Laird carried the chair out for me.

Agnes. Ewan? Is he inside?

Victor. No. He and Freya have gone to meet the steamboat.

Agnes. Ah, yes. The boat - the Tuesday boat. Freya takes such delight in seeing what the world outside has sent us. I can never see what all the fuss is about, but there... It's been a grand, warm day, don't you think?

Victor. Yes.

Agnes. We have days like this after a storm, when there's no wind and the sea is like glass. But if the air holds still for too long we'll be getting the sea fogs rolling in, and then you can hardly see your hand in front of your face.

Victor. (Not really paying attention). Yes, I suppose so.

Pause.

Agnes. (Indicating her basket). Look.... Mussels fresh from the sea. We'll have them for supper tonight.

Victor. Yes?

Agnes. I've been across the sands to the flat rocks. The rocks where those men from your boat were washed up in the storm. But it's quiet there now, and the big black stones are smooth and warm to lie on.... And when the sea is low there are little nooks and holes that only I know of, and sometimes there will be a lobster or a fine crab in them - but not today. (Pause). I'll have to take you there, Victor, and show you.

Victor. Yes?

Agnes. Yes... And when you're feeling stronger we'll go for walks. Would you like that? James will prescribe them for you in any case. "Walks and fresh air, the best remedy" - he'll say. We'll go to the northern headland. Will you come?

Victor. If you want me to.

Agnes. There's a sheer drop to the sea below, and there's gloups and caves and a grand view of Helter Stack. And on the very top among the banks girse there's a giant circle of standing stones.

Victor. (Not understanding). Standing stones?

Agnes. Big upright rocks, the size of a man and more.

Victor. Ah, yes. Standing stones.

Agnes. And they say they are a family of trolls that drank ale and danced round a big fire all night long. But they didn't mind the time and were turned to stone at daybreak.

Victor. Really?

Agnes. Really. (Pause, smiling). We'll go up there in June and watch the long sunsets of mid summer.

Victor. (To himself). June.

Agnes. You'll like it here then. It's a strange time, never really getting dark at all.

Victor. What month is it now?

Agnes. What month?

Victor. Yes.

Agnes. Why, April of course.

Victor. April.

Agnes. Did you not know that?

Victor. Time has not been important to me. Nothing was important, only the task.... The task then, and the task now.

Agnes. What task?

Victor. It doesn't matter.

Pause.

Agnes. So what do you think of Norsay, Victor? Our island. Do you like it here?

Victor. It's very different from the mountains of Switzerland.

Agnes. I'm sure it must be.

Victor. Or the busy streets of Geneva.

Agnes. I've never been to a city.

Victor. But perhaps - when I can feel the heat of the sun, smell the grass, hear the distant water, I can imagine myself back at home.

Agnes. Home?

Victor. On the shores of Lake Geneva. We had a country house there - for the family - and a small estate.

Agnes. And are they still there - your family?

Victor. There is no one there now. The house is shut up.

Pause.

Agnes. You've been here nearly five days, Victor, and not asked if you might send word to anyone.... Do you have no kin at all else where you'd be wanting to write to? - to say where you are and that you're safe?

Victor. No.

Agnes. I thought - your wife perhaps.

Victor. I have no wife.

Agnes. But - you wear a ring.

Victor. (Fingering his wedding ring). I was married, once, yes.

Agnes. What happened to her?

Victor. She - died.

Agnes. I'm sorry.

There is a long pause.

Agnes. Have you travelled much?

Victor. Yes.

Agnes. You're very lucky. I haven't travelled at all.

Victor. Then you are the lucky one.

Agnes. Why?

Victor. Because I have journeyed too much - and always it sees through the ugliest and most god forsaken places.... And there have been times - several times - when the journey has been too much and I have stretched my body upon the ground and prayed for death.

Agnes. Not here, Victor. You must not pray for death here.

Victor. (Smiling again). No. You are right.

Agnes. The Romans called this place ‘Thule’ - the island at the edge of the world.

Victor. Then sometimes there is great tranquillity to be at the edge of the world..... I think it would be very easy for a man to find happiness here.

Pause. Agnes looks at Victor. He becomes aware of her gaze.

Victor. I'm sorry... I'm keeping you from your work.

Agnes. I think I'll just clean the seaweed off the shells out here before washing them, and before the sun goes down over the brow.

Agnes sits or kneels down close to Victor. She starts to clean off seaweed, though there is little to clean. Victor goes back to his book.

Agnes. Victor?

Victor. Yes?

Agnes. On what day of the week were you born?

Victor. What day?

Agnes. I know it's a strange question. But it's important to me.

Victor. I don't know, a Monday I think.

Agnes. (Disappointed). Oh.... I thought it might have been a Thursday. Thursday is our special day, and you came to us on a Thursday....... Freya was born on a Thursday; a child of Thor. You can see it in her eyes..... I thought I could see it in your eyes too.

Pause. Victor just smiles and goes back to his book.

Agnes. You don't say much do you? Or when you do it's very strange talk.

Victor. I'm afraid I do not know your language very well.

Agnes. But that's the third of my brother's medical books you have read from cover to cover. They are written in that same language.

Victor. Then perhaps I have never been blessed with the skills of conversation. My talent has been for other things. I'm sorry.

Agnes. You mustn't be. It doesn't matter. (Picking up one of the mussels). Look at this, it's empty. A bird or beast has got to it before me. That's no good. (She passes it to Victor)..... So are you a doctor then? This talent you speak of? And for you to be interested in James' books?

Victor. (Looking at the shell absently). Not a doctor, no.

Agnes. What then?

There is a pause. Victor makes no reply.

Agnes. I don't mind - your not telling me if you don't want to. What you're doing, where you're going, why you have travelled with such a heavy heart.... It's none of our business I suppose. So you mustn't think I mind - I don't.... I - I like you, Victor, and I like being - I just like us being - (Catching his eye, then looking away). It doesn't matter.

Pause. Agnes returns to her shells. Victor ponders his shell.

Victor. Your Englishman, Sir Isaac Newton wrote that he "felt like a child picking up shells beside the great and unexplored ocean of truth".... I wanted to pick up such shells too. I thought that that was my talent, my destiny. I truly believed there would be great and wonderful pearls of wisdom in them. And so I studied them - physics, astronomy, chemistry, medicine, anatomy.... And I aspired to be what is a new word for us in this century - a scientist..... But my ambition was not to explore the world of stars and planets like Newton. No.... I would explore the unknown powers of man's creation and reveal the deepest mysteries of life itself.

Pause.

Agnes. Are you famous, Victor?

Victor. Avoid ambition, Agnes. You must tell your brother that. Seek happiness in tranquillity and avoid ambition. (Passing the shell back). Some shells you see are empty.

Pause.

James enters. He carries his doctor's bag and a small package.

James. And how is our shipwrecked adventurer? Our Robinson Crusoe of the north.

Victor. Feeling a little better, thank you.

James. (To Agnes - giving her the package). I have the cream from Old Man Cameron and some cheese too.

Agnes. Thank you.

James. You see, Victor, I have to sing for my supper. Money to pay for a doctor's physic up here is rare indeed.

Agnes. Is there any news of his brother?

James. No, none at all.

Victor. What's that?

James. Oh, nothing that need concern you.

Agnes. It's Duncan Cameron, he's been missing for two days. He went out in his boat on Saturday to lay his lobster pots and didn't return.

James. The seas were still too high with a strong swell running. He was foolish to put out.

Agnes. He'd been out in worse plenty of times.

James. Then a heart attack or seizure probably, and the boat was swept out to sea. He was quite old.

Agnes. Duncan Cameron was as tough as old boots.

James. Even old boots give way eventually, Agnes.... (To Victor). Now, a quick examination, Victor. Can you stand for me?

Victor. (Doing so). Moving is still painful.

James. Still, good to see you out and about. Walks and fresh air, the best remedy once the bones are healed.

Agnes. You see?

James. What's that?

Victor. Agnes said that was a favourite prescription.

James. Well it'll not do you any harm will it? Now. Breath in as deep as you can.

Victor does so, but winces.

James. Still painful then.

Victor. Yes.

James. Mmm... I'm not sure I can do much for that. Only time can help you there.

Victor. Do you have Sweet Birch oil?

James. Sweet Birch oil? I don't think I know it.

Victor. It can be made into a liniment and contains Methyl Salicylate.

James. Contains what?

Victor. A pain relieving chemical. Many of the compounds of salicylic acid are most useful.

James. Really? And where did you learn that?

Agnes. Victor is a scientist.

Victor. I have studied chemistry and anatomy, mainly.

James. Really? In London?

Victor. Ingolstadt, in Bavaria.

James. I don't know of it... Still, a chemist and anatomist, an interesting combination. But you must certainly read the journals I have sent to me from Edinburgh. Not just these old books.

Victor. Thank you.

James. And we must talk, Victor. Yes we must talk. My own interest, you see, is in gaining access to the vital organs without the need for surgery. There is a doctor in London who has made glass tubes, hardly thicker than a horse hair and sharp enough to puncture skin and tissue.

Agnes. Well if you're going to talk medicine I'll be away in to swill these mussels.

James. One can administer medicines through these tubes directly into the organ, or drain out poisons, and -

But James is interrupted.

Freya enters at a run, carrying a fashionable dress and what remains of the package it was tied up in.

Freya. (Holding the dress against herself). What do you think? Isn't it grand? Isn't it wonderful? The very latest fashion.

James. Very fine, Freya, but -

Freya. It came on the boat.

James. But we can't really afford -

Freya. No, no. Don't be silly. Ewan bought it for me as a surprise, sent all the way to Edinburgh for it.

James. Ewan?

Freya. It must have been very expensive.

James. Most generous of him. But we must pay for it naturally.

Freya. Why?

James. Well, because -

Freya. Oh, don't be ridiculous, James, he'd be insulted. It was a present, a gift. And I shall need dresses like this when we go to London, lots of them.... What do you think, Agnes? Isn't it fine? Wouldn't you like to have a dress like this?

Agnes. It's very nice.

James. But even so.

Pause.

Freya. You don't think I should accept gifts from the laird, is that it?

James. If you ask?.... No, I don't think you should.

Freya. But he has your medicines too you know, all the way from Edinburgh, and also very expensive.

James. That's different.

Freya. Is it? The money that pays for them is the same.

James cannot answer this.

Freya. It will need taking in, naturally, but Agnes will help me do that, won't you, Agnes.

Agnes. If you like.

Freya sees that Victor has been watching her intently.

Freya. (Flirting). Do you think it suits me Victor?

Victor. Very well.

Freya. Ewan says it sets off the colour of my eyes perfectly. Don't you agree?

Victor. Yes.

Freya. And do they wear such fashionable clothes in Geneva?

Victor. Possibly.

Freya. But perhaps you didn't move among the poets and artists as we will in London. Perhaps the doors of society were not opened to you as they will be for us.

Victor. My family were councillors and syndics in the republic. We moved in all sections of a polite and civilised society.... We - (He breaks off). (Pause) Forgive me. You will look very beautiful in your new dress, Freya. (He moves away).

Freya. Thank you, Victor. (Turning back). Ah. Here comes Ewan.

James. Our very own St Nicholas.

Agnes. Can you manage, Ewan?

Ewan enters. He carries the wooden box we saw in the first scene. On top of it are two other packages.

Ewan. Aye, aye.

Freya. Of course he can. Such a big strong man.

Ewan. Still, a tidy walk from the harbour.... Two packages for you, James, from Edinburgh.

James. (James takes the packages). Dutiful thanks.

Ewan. My pleasure. And there is even something for our friend from Switzerland.

Pause. Victor turns back.

Victor. (Staring at the box - alarmed). Where did you get that?

Ewan. It's come from Orkney, so the master said, and it has a label (putting the box down, perhaps on the back of the chair) - if you can read its spidery scrawl that is. (He takes the label off and reads it). "For the doctor's visitor - Norsay".

Victor. Did you send for it?

Ewan. Not I.

Victor. Then who did?

Ewan. I presumed that you must have. Didn't you?

Victor. No, I didn't.

Ewan. Then it isn't yours?

Victor. Yes it is.

Ewan. Well then -

Victor. Who else knows I'm here? (To James). Who have you told?

James. This is a small island, Victor, and you came to us in a rather noticeable fashion. I should think everyone on the island knows that you are here.

Ewan. Surely it's not so much a question of who knows that you are here, as who knew that this was there - on Orkney - to send it to you? And I would have thought that you were more likely to know the answer to that than us.

Ewan gives the label to Victor.

They look to Victor for his reply.

Victor. (Evasive). I suppose someone there must have heard too.... As you say - these are small islands. News travels.

Freya. You didn't tell us you'd been in these parts before, Victor.

Victor. Two years ago. I stayed on Orkney for - a short while.

Agnes. What were you doing there?

Victor. (Evasive again). Studying.

Ewan. Well, what was yours on Orkney has mysteriously found its way back to you here on Norsay. (Picking the box up again). And it's certainly heavy enough to contain books. Shall I take it inside?

Victor. No! I don't want it!

Ewan. But if it's yours -

Victor. Throw it into the sea!

Freya. Into the sea?

Victor. Yes!

Ewan. That seems a little ungrateful, after someone has gone to the trouble to send it to you. And I've carried it all the way from the harbour.

Freya. I should think so indeed.

Victor. (Taking the box from Ewan). Then I'll do it myself. (He almost collapses with the weight and pain). Ah!

Ewan. (Taking the box again). That you obviously won't.

Agnes. Be careful, Victor.

James. You're in no state to carry anything, man.

Agnes. Come and sit down.

Ewan. Besides - such a strong and secure box, it must contain something of great value I should have thought.

Victor. Nothing.

Ewan. (Feeling the box's weight). Nothing?

Victor. Nothing.

Ewan. And you're sure you don't want it?

Victor. I am sure.

Ewan. Well.... I shall throw it into the sea if you really wish. Someone might benefit from it I suppose - washed up somewhere on some beach or other. They'd find a use for it - if they could open it of course

Victor. No.... I'll keep it here - safe.

Ewan. Just as you please. I'll take it inside after all.

Freya. I'll come with you. I can try on the dress, Ewan, and you can tell me how it looks.

Freya starts to move off.

Ewan. I'm afraid I wasn't a good judge of how slim you are, Freya.

Freya. It doesn't matter. Agnes is going to take it in for me, aren't you, Agnes?

Agnes. Yes.

Freya. Come along.

Freya exits. Ewan holds back.

Ewan. I hope you don't mind me buying your wife presents, James. The expense is nothing to me and it gives her such pleasure.

James. Why should I mind?...... And what if I did? Would it stop you?

Ewan. Possibly not.

James. Well then.

Ewan. You're a good doctor, James.. A good, well educated, well read doctor with all the new journals and medicines and instruments that you could possibly desire.... Remember that.... And remember where they come from.... And talking of your duties as a doctor - they've found Duncan Cameron.

Agnes. They found him? Is he alive?

Ewan. I'm afraid not.

James. Where did they find him?

Ewan. At the bottom of Erlend Ghyll. He must have fallen over the edge where the path is crumbling. They've laid him out in the kirk, but he needs cleaning up before his brother sees him. His head was split right open.

Agnes. The poor body.

James. I'll go straight away.

Ewan. He was a good age, and it must have been quick. Though goodness knows what he was doing above the Ghyll..... And the strange thing is, there's no sign of the old man's boat anywhere.

Victor. His boat?

Ewan. Hardly more than a skiff really, but it's nowhere to be seen.

Ewan exits.

James watches him go.

James. You'll have to excuse me then..... And here. (He hands Victor a package). You can read my journal if you like. I shan't be having time to look at it now.

Victor. Thank you.

James. And we will have to talk - of your work, of my work - I'd like that.

James exits.

Pause.

Victor. I could help your brother, if he would let me. I also could buy him all the medicines and instruments he would like, furnish a whole laboratory for him.... Set him up in London, and with no obligation.

Agnes. Are you really so wealthy?

Victor. I have enough. Besides I owe a dept. He saved my life, and so I can complete my task.

Agnes. You're such a mystery, Victor. A wealthy and educated young man from Geneva, a scientist, yet travelling in a dirty whaling boat, not sure of exactly where he is going, just - north. And haunted by something - your task.... And you know who sent you that box, I'm sure of it. Won't you tell us who it was?

Victor. No.

Agnes. Or what's in it that it must be kept so safe?

Victor. It is better that you don't know.

Pause.

Agnes. If you say so.... But you will find peace here on our island, Victor. It has a way of weaving its magic, you'll see.

Agnes comes behind him where he is sitting and places her hands on his shoulders.

Victor. Peace?

Agnes. Yes.... Peace.... It's getting dark - and cold. You should come away in.

Victor. Soon.... Soon.

Agnes looks at him for a while then exits.

Victor. But I fear its magic may not be strong enough. Not nearly strong enough. (He looks at the label still in his hand). "For the doctor's visitor - Norsay".

Out of the gloom a shadow moves and we can hear a slow, rasping breath. A tall looming, powerful figure hovers at the edge of the light. Dressed in a long coat, its hands, head and face swathed in rags, it has the appearance of some kind of giant leper.

Victor senses its presence.

Victor. So.... You found me.

The figure makes no reply.

Victor. How did you get off the other whaler in that storm and make your way back? Did you swim? All that way? In those seas?... I suppose you must have.

Still the figure makes no reply.

Victor. But now I think you have a boat.

Pause.

The figure stays looking at Victor for a while then turns and vanishes into the darkness.

If you want to know what happens next just e-mail me for a complete script. info@alistair-faulkner.co.uk