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The play opens with Gerrard answering a phone call which is from a
client to whom he promises to deliver the props for rehearsal. He

is busy packing for travel in this connection when a flashily dressed
Intruder, wearing an overcoat and a soft hat and carrying a

revolver in his hand enters the room. However, before he can take
Gerrard by surprise, the Intruder bumps accidentally against a

table, and alerts Gerrard to his presence. Not at all nonplussed,
Gerrard tries to figure out who the Intruder is when the latter
threatens him with dire consequences if his questions are not

answered. The Intruder declares that he is not there to tell him
about himself but to learn more about Gerrard.

The Intruder, who looks somewhat like Gerrard, wants to murder

Gerrard and thereafter steal his identity. He is a robber who
specialises in the theft of jewels and plans to use Gerrard‟s house

and car for his schemes. By assuming his identity, he can evade
the police and lead a peaceful life. The Intruder further surprises
Gerrard by telling him that he has noticed his (Gerrard‟s) manner

of speech and has taken care to adopt a resemblance to him in
looks too. He needs to change his identity because the cops are

searching him for having killed one of their colleagues. He also tells
Gerrard how he has come to know about him, and his habit of

keeping aloof, by overhearing a conversation between two people.

But it is the clever Gerrard who has the last laugh when he fools
the Intruder into believing that he, too, is running from the law
and is about to flee. He explains to the Intruder that

unfortunately one of his men has been caught.

He is expecting trouble that night. That is why he is ready to
make his getaway. He has a disguise outfit ready; false

moustaches and what not.