what are searchlights doing now?
” PASSWORTHY: ” Anti-aircraft manoeuvres, I expect.” CABAL: “Manoeuvres! At Christmas? No!” Three thuds rather louder mingled with the pealing bells. HARDING: “Listen: Guns again.” The bells cease abruptly. The sound of distant guns becomes quite distinct. The group–mute suspense. Heavy concussion heard. After this the noise subsides as though the trouble was drifting away from Everytown. Nobody speaks. From the study the telephone rings. Cabal turns and hurries back into the house, the others go a few steps after him and listen anxiously. CABAL, heard off: “What, to-night–three o’clock at the Hilltown hangar? I’ll be there.” Cabal comes out again to the listening group. “Mobilisation!” MRS. CABAL: “Oh–oh God!” PASSWORTHY: “Perhaps it’s only a precautionary mobilisation.” Cabal turns and goes into the house. The others follow. Cabal’s study. They will hear if the radio has anything to say. Cabal turns on radio. RADIO: “The unknown aircraft passed over Seabeach and dropped bombs with
