The Cryptogram by David Mamet Read Free Book Online Page A

go to the kitchen, take, no, they’re packed. Are they packed? They’re put away, John. The knives are put away. (
Pause
.)
    JOHN : You said I could have the blanket.
    DEL : Well,
    JOHN : You said that.
    DEL : Well, you’ll have to do without. But you’ll be fine, I promise you. We’ll …
    DONNY : Goodnight, John.
    DEL : You understand. You’ll be fine. Goodnight, now.
    JOHN : You said I could have the blanket.
    DEL : Goodnight, Jjjj …
    ( JOHN
starts to exit
.)
    DONNY : John? Del said “goodnight” to you. (
Pause
.) Did you hear him?
    DEL : It’s alright.
    DONNY : John …?
    DEL : It’s alr …
    DONNY : No. It isn’t alright. I’m speaking to you. Come back here. John? The man said goodnight to you.
Come back down and tell the man you’re sorry.
    DEL : It’s alright, Donny.
    DONNY : John? I’m
speaking
to you. What must I do?
    DEL : Donn …
    DONNY : What must I do that you treat me like an animal?
    DEL : It’s …
    DONNY : Don’t you tell me it’s alright, for the love of God. Don’t you
dare
to dispute me.
    DEL : The child …
    DONNY : Don’t you
dare
to dispute me in my home. Now, I’m
speaking
to you, John. Don’t stand there so innocently. I’ve asked you a question. Do you want me to go mad? Is that what you want? Is that what you want?
    DEL : Your mother’s speaking to you, John.
    DONNY : Is that what you want?
    DEL : She asked you a question.
    DONNY : Can’t you see that I need comfort? Are you blind? For the love of God …
    JOHN : I hear voices.
    DEL : John: Your mother’s waiting for you to …
    JOHN : Before I go to sleep.
    DEL : Your mother’s waiting, John. What does she want to hear?
    JOHN : … before I go to sleep.
    DEL : What does she want to hear you say?
    JOHN : I don’t know.
    DEL : I think that you do. (
Pause
.) What does she want to hear you say. (
Pause
.)
    JOHN : “I’m sorry.”
    DEL : What?
    JOHN : I’m sorry.
    DEL : Alright, then.
    JOHN : You told me I could have the blanket.
    DONNY : Goodnight, John.
    JOHN : You told me I could have the blanket.
    DEL : Yes. You can.
    JOHN : It’s wrapped up.
    DEL : Take the knife. When you’re done … (
Hands the boy the knife
.)
    JOHN : I can’t fall asleep.
    DEL : That’s up to you, now.
    JOHN : I hear voices. They’re calling to me. (
Pause
.)
    DONNY : Yes I’m sure they are.
    JOHN : They’re calling me.
    DEL : Take the knife and go.
    JOHN : They’re calling my name. (
Pause
.) Mother. They’re calling my name.