Mayo's Pudd'nhead Wilson: Act II

" P U D D ' N H E A D W I L S O N "
ACT II.

Time....Afternoon. Lights: ambers and reds. Wilson's law office in third groove. Double room opening out. Set diagonally R.U.E. Backed by exterior of Act I. Doors opening off of L.2. and E. With space between for large cabinet. Windows C. and R.2.E. The latter opening out. A cabinet full of small pigeon holes L. In these holes are strips of glass six inches long by 1 1/2 inches wide. Only half a dozen are used practically. These are in the upper and second four at the up stage side. The others may be painted in. At each side of window C. are shelves with library and law books on them. Documents, deeds, etc. on the shelves. An old fashioned low desk with frame of pigeon holes sits in on top of desk R. just above window. This desk is furnished with writing materials, such as would be found in the law office of a country lawyer. An old time common clock on top of frame. Just above desk a wash stand, bowl, pitcher, towel, comb and brush and small mirror. A couch under window C. with head off. A good-sized square office table C. with four or five law books, papers and writing material on table. A small table easel with four pegs on each side to hold the strips of glass. Four ordinary chairs about table. Office arm chair at desk L. Chair near cabinet. On walls are a few cheap pictures, and large tracings of thumb marks on white paper. A pantograph instrument L. between L.2.E. door and cabinet. Lamp on the table ready to light. Large hand magnifying glass, hanging at end of cabinet.

(MUSIC NO. 9 RISE OF CURTAIN)

(Enter Luiji X R.C. and Angelo L.1.E. at rise)

Angelo (L.)
How do you like Dawson thus far, my brother?

Luiji (R.C.)
Oh the place is charming – and the people – well the freedom with which they speak of their neighbors –

Angelo (L.C.)
I do not like that young Mr. Driscoll. He seems to delight in being offensive to Mr. Wilson.

(Blake, Campbell and Swan pass window back from L. talking)

Luiji Mr. Wilson is a marvel of patience. I wonder he submits to their abuse.

(Enter Blake at door R.3.E.)

Angelo How could he have acquired such a name as –

Blake (In door)
Seen Pudd'nhead, gentlemen?
(Comes R.C.)

Angelo (L.)
I presume you mean, sir, Mr. Wilson?

Blake (Swan and Campbell at door talking)
Hey? Oh – yes – I reckon I ought to remember you're strangers. No offense to Pudd'nhead I assure you.

Luiji (L.C.)
Is that not a singular term to apply to one of your most prominent citizens? How did he acquire it?

Blake (R.C.)
Hey? Oh – all on account of a dog, sir – a dog –

Luiji and Angelo (L.C. and L.)
A dog?

(Swan and Campbell begin listening to the conversation)

Blake Yes. You see the first day he arrived here, Wilson's from York State, we – that is some of the choice spirits of the place – were giving him a kind of welcome at the tavern. Our conversation was seriously disturbed by the unearthly barking of a dog. Many objections were made to the nuisance, but without effect. Until finally Pudd'nhead remarked that he 'lowed he'd like to own half that dog.

Luiji and Angelo (Laugh)
Half the dog?
(Swan and Campbell quiet up at door R.3.E.)

Blake (Turning R. sees them)
There.
(Campbell and Swan come down R.L. Blake C.)
That's it. You've said it. Just like we did more than 20 years ago. Didn't we?
(Campbell and Swan smile and nod)

Angelo Said what?

Blake Half a dog.
(Swan and Campbell laugh)
Now gentlemen –
(To twins)
– can you understand any reason for a perfectly sane man wanting to own half a dog? Can you?

Luiji Was it a valuable dog?

Blake Valuable? No, the durndest meanest low down cur in the country, sir. Wasn't he?
(Swan and Campbell nod)

Luiji (L.C.)
What reason did Mr. Wilson give for wanting to own half of it?

Blake (C.)
Because he 'lowed he'd like to kill his half.
(Luiji and Angelo laugh heartily. The others laugh with sort of triumph and appeal to one another with great satisfaction)
Gentlemen you have vindicated us.
(To twins)
(Swan, Campbell, Blake bow as if thanking twins for a great courtesy. Twins return bow)

Blake What if it had been a valuable dog? Would that have made any difference? What did the durn fool reckon would become of the other half? Did he reckon it would live?
(Angelo and Luiji laugh heartily)

Swan (R.C. – earnestly)
Must 'o reckon so. Else why didn't he want to own the entire dog? Cos, don't you see, if he killed his half and the other half did die he would be responsible wouldn't he?

Blake (C.)
Course he would. Any court would allow damages.
(To twins)
Don't it appear like that way to you gentlemen?

Luiji (L. C.)
It is certainly a very perplexing question.

Blake (C.)
Been a matter of debate here for most a quarter of a century sir.

Angelo (L.)
And does Mr. Wilson still maintain his side of the question?

Blake As a religion, sir. Good afternoon gentlemen.
(Looks at watch and goes toward R.U.E.)
Court most over I reckon.

Campbell Well it's allus been clear enough to me – 'cos, don't you see –
(Blake stops in the door R.U.E.)
– if it had been a gineral dog– and he owned half – it would be just the same, wouldn't it? – and particularly in the first case – 'cos – don't you see – if you kill one end of a gineral dog there ain't no man can tell whose end it were –
(Pause)
Hold on a minute – Maybe he could kill one end – and –

Blake (Coming down C.)
No he couldn't, and not be responsible if the other end died – which of course it would, wouldn't it gentlemen?
(To twins)

Luiji (L.C.)
Assuredly.
(Together)

Angelo (L.)
Beyond question.

Blake (C.)
Good afternoon gentlemen.

Swan (Going up to door R.3.E.)
Afternoon gentlemen.

Campbell (Going to door R.3.E.)
Afternoon gentlemen.

(Exit all but Angelo and Luiji. The others keeping up the debate until well off, pass window C. Luiji and Angelo laugh)
(Exit Luiji and Angelo R.U.E. laughing heartily. Past window C.)
(Enter Patsy and Rowy F.D.3.E. Both up C. to window.)

Patsy There they go – happy as the day.

Rowy (Xing R.)
I wonder Maw if that story about them is true.

Patsy You don't suppose a St Louis newspaper could invent a thing like that if it weren't true, do you? But what riles me is to think that your uncle still defends that nigger thief Roxy.

Rowy Didn't Uncle Dave say he saw that other woman?

Patsy (Vexed)
Oh that's all moonshine. He must have been dreaming. I tell you he makes us all look ridiculous.
(Exit Patsy L.U.)

(Enter Chambers R.U.E. – pass C. window – carrying a covered basket on his arm)

Rowy (L.C.)
Lor, Chambers, how blue you look. Come in.

Chambers (Coming down L.C. back of table. Rowy to R. of table)
Reckon you look blue if your maw accused you of a crime like that. I never 'afore wish I was free.

Rowy (R.C.)
Chambers, I don't reckon you would know what to do with yourself if you were free.

Chambers (L. of table)
'Deed I would. I hyar your uncle say if he had some one to go some place for him he know for sure he find that thief.

Rowy My uncle say that?

Chambers That's jus what he say.

Rowy (R.C.)
And if you were free would you go?

Chambers (Puts down basket – L. of table)
'Deed I would.

Rowy Then I tell you, you can go.

Chambers Quit your foolin', Miss Rowy

(Enter Judge Driscoll R.U.E. – Come C. of stage –
Chambers X L.)

Driscoll (C.)
Good morning, Rowy.
(Runs up to R. of him and whispers to him)
What! Haven't you told him yet?

Rowy (Aside to Driscoll)
No, and don't you please, but just say to him he is to obey me in everything, till further notice.

Driscoll Hey? Oh! Yes.
(Xing down C.)
Chambers, you have my permission to obey Miss Rowy until further notice.
(Aside to Rowy)
What you up to, Rowy?

Rowy Just fun.
(Xes to Chambers)
You hear that, you Chambers?

Chambers (L.C.)
Yes, I hyar – reckon she's just foolin' you, Judge. Never can tell when she's in earnest. Some times I think she's so, she jus laugh 'an say I fool you again Chambers.

Rowy (C.)
Almost cost me my life once – and – Well maybe I had better let Tom tell it, but he wouldn't. It's against Tom.

Driscoll (R.C.)
Against Tom?

Chambers 'Taint no such ting

Driscoll If it's a good one on Tom I'll just plague the life out of him.
(Sits at desk R.)

Chambers (L. picking up basket)
I reckon I had better take these birds around to the kitchen.
(Start up C.)

Rowy (Takes basket from him, puts it on table. – Chambers X L.)
No you don't, you are going to stay right here. Well it was when I was thirteen.

Driscoll Two years ago.

Rowy (C.)
No three. I'm sixteen now. The year Tom went to Yale at the East. Yale, wasn't it?

Driscoll (R.)
Yale, yes.

Rowy Well, one day Chambers and I were playing down on the end of the pier, when all of a sudden, way up on the levee, we heard Tom calling for help. Tom was in a fight, you know he always made Chambers do his fighting. Well Chambers had left his hat and coat in the little shed at the end of the pier – when he heard Tom call – gimminy – you should have seen him jump.

Driscoll (R. laughing)
Who, Chambers?

Rowy Yes. Well he made for the shed to get his hat and coat. First I thought I would like to see the fight. Then I changed my mind. I grabbed Chambers' hat and coat, pushed him back into the shed and locked the door. Then I put them on and sat out on the end of the pier pretending I was fishing. When down comes Tom, tearing and cussing like sin. I sat there laughing fit to kill. Tom taking me for Chambers cussed more, and standing right behind me shouted, You infernal white nigger you, why didn't you come when I called you! Then all at once he up and kicked me into the river.
(Rowy laughs)

Driscoll (R. starting up)
Tom Driscoll did that?

Rowy (C. laughing)
That's just what Tom Driscoll did.

Chambers (L.)
'Twarn't nothing o' the kind – Massa Judge – she were just laffin' so she shook herself in.

Rowy (Laughing)
If you had felt Tom's boot, as I did, you wouldn't think so. I could swim a little, but Chambers coat got so heavy – I caught hold of one of the logs and held on – I felt my strength going and that it was the last of me – but I remembered a splash and then an arm around me and I was gone. I never knew what happened after that until I found myself on the floor back of the shed and Chambers weeping over me like a baby, and he told me to tell the Judge that Tom had saved me.

Driscoll (With great feeling goes over L. to Chambers, takes
both his hands, looks at him tenderly, almost as if he would
embrace him. Then suddenly drops his hands, take a step
back and regards him. Then drawing himself up with
pride, half aside)
It's not so strange after all.
(Goes up R.)

(Enter Wilson L.U.E.)

Wilson (Meeting Driscoll)
What's your hurry, Judge?
(Goes to desk – puts hat R.)

Driscoll (Starting out of his reverie, comes down to Wilson R.C.
Takes his hand)
Dave Wilson, I'll give a thousand dollars to establish the innocence of that boy's mother, for his sake, sir.

(They shake hands heartily – Rowy and Chambers go up to C. window Xing around R.)

Wilson (R.)
Well maybe we can. I've been talking to some of the interested parties of a plan that has been suggested. They want your judgment on it. They'll be here in a few minutes.
(Going to window R.)

Driscoll (R.C.)
Won't take long, will it? You know Howard Pembroke and I are going fishing.

Wilson (At window R.)
You can attend to this I reckon and go fishing too.
(Noise of talking)
Here they are –
(X L. Pointing from window R.2.E. then goes over to cabinet L.2.)

Driscoll Oh!
(Calling out window R.2.E. boyishly)
Wait a minute boys.
(X up R.C. To Wilson)
I can get my tackle ready and listen to them at the same time.
(Exit R.U.E.)

Wilson (L. of cabinet)
Rowy, do you know what day of the month this is?

Rowy (Comes down C. – Chambers drops down L.)
Let me see. Oh! sure enough.
(To Chambers)
It's April fool's day –

Chambers (R.)
I reckon that's what's been the matter with you all along.

Wilson (Back of table L.)
This is the day upon which we are reminded of what we are on the other 364.

Rowy (C.)
Oh! Uncle Dave, I want to ask you something.

Wilson (C.)
Go ahead – I reckon you can't make me look a bigger fool than I feel.

Rowy No, 'taint that. Chambers says you want someone to go on a journey.

Wilson So I do – but there's no one about here fit for the mission. It requires brains.

Chambers I reckon I had better take these birds down to the kitchen.
(R. takes basket from table)

Rowy (C.)
Yes, but you come back here for I want you.

Chambers Jus' you say, if the Judge's willin'.
(Exit R.U.E.)

Wilson (C. X)
Rowy, I am afraid you monoploize that boy too much. I don't think the Judge likes it.

Rowy (C.)
Deed he does. Quite approves of it.

Wilson Why couldn't you just as well have been born a boy

Rowy (Giggling)
Is that an April fool question?

Wilson (Sits at L. of table C.)
No. I was thinking you might go on this tramp for me.

Rowy (R.C.)
'Cause I've got the brains, is that what you are coming at?

Wilson (L.)
Stop your nonsense, I'm not fooling.

Rowy Why don't you send Chambers?

Wilson Because he isn't my property, and then again he is too mighty loyal to Tom Driscoll.

Rowy No more than he is to me.

Wilson That's different. Family prejudices get kind of ingrained. He might hesitate to do anything that would compromise Tom.

Rowy Compromise Tom?

Wilson (Rise)
I only said it might. Rowy, come here.
(She Xes to him)
What's your opinion of Roxy's guilt?*

Rowy Has a mighty mean look. Stolen things found in our old mill where she's been hiding.

Wilson I know there's just one person in this community who could point out the real thief.
(Up R.C.)

Rowy Who?

Wilson Tom Driscoll.

Rowy Oh! Uncle Dave, don't say such a thing.
(Runs up to Wilson on his R.)
You might get yourself into trouble.

Wilson (R.C.)
I know that but I'm not going to sit quietly down and see Roxy suffer for a crime I know she didn't commit, even if she is a nigger.

Rowy But are you sure you saw the other woman?

Wilson (R.C.)
Yes, I'm sure.

Rowy 'Cause Maw says you must have dreamt it.

Wilson Your maw is a dear soul, but her common sense isn't firstclass.

Rowy (Laughing)
And you know she would just die for you.

Wilson (Down C.)
But I don't want her to. I know there are some folks find a heap of pleasure in showing their affection in that way, keeping the coffin always before their eyes. On special occasions they call an undertaker, hearse and all. Well enough in its way, so is a flea, and I'm not sure but that he is expressing his deepest attachment for you when he is getting in his best touches.
(Goes to desk R.)
Chambers might do it. I'll think about that. Rowy, do you know Tom's address in St Louis?

Rowy No. Chambers does though, been there often.

Wilson Always the same?
(Walking about up to C. window)

Rowy (L.)
Yes, keeps his rooms the year round.

(Noises, talking L.)

Wilson (At window C.)
Hush, they are coming.

Rowy (L. Going up L.)
Who, the twins?

Wilson (Up C.)
No, the wise men of Dawson.
(Rowy laughs)
Say Rowy –
(All from L. X behind window and enter R.U.E. Enter
Driscoll, Howard, Swan, Campbell and Tom R.U.E. They
stand in the door all talking in an animated way. They
do not enter until Rowy exits.)
Make up a basket of provisions and let Chambers take them to his mother.

Rowy All right uncle, I'll get my hat and go with him.
(Exit R.3.E.)

Tom (X down L. below table. Driscoll down R.C. Howard
to window R. Swan and Campbell up R.C. Coming
down L.C.)
Uncle the first thing I would do if I were you I'd sell that nigger Chambers down the river. He ain't worth his salt.

Driscoll (R.C.)
Tom Driscoll you say that only to wound me. You know I am fond of that boy.

Tom (L.C.)
Yes, hear you were fond of his mother too. She's a thief though, all the same.

Wilson (Down C.)
Well that's what we are here to find out.
(Turns looks at him and sits on table L.)

Driscoll (R.C.)
Yes, and I think that's a mighty right good plan of yours, Dave Wilson.
(X R. at desk R.)

Swan & Campbell (Up R.C.)
So do I.

Swan (R.C.)
Thunder, Pudd'nhead. Didn't think you had sense enough to scheme a thing like that.

Howard (Down R. ar window R.)
If you ain't careful, Dave Wilson, you'll lose your reputation.

(All laugh)

Wilson (C.)
I wouldn't like to do that. Besides, I don't want credit I don't deserve. The plan isn't mine.

All Ah! Well, that's different.

Driscoll (R.)
Whose is it?

Wilson (L.C.)
The man who runs the ferry.

All What?

Driscoll You don't mean old Blaze?

Wilson Yes I do.

Swan Why he's a half idiot

Howard (R.)
A down right fool.

Swan (Up R.C.)
The deafest and dumbest old mutton head in Dawson.

Wilson (L.C.)
Sling your compliments, gentlemen. I'm not envious, he's deserving I admit, but he's not* a Pudd'nhead. That title belongs exclusively to me.

Tom (Sitting on table L.)
Nobody's going to rob you of it, Dave.

Wilson (Looking at Tom)
I'm not so sure about that either. There are some people in the world so mighty low down they would rather steal a bad name than get a good one honestly.
(Enter twins stand up R.)
(All start to go R.U.)
(Wilson X R. to desk)

Driscoll Come along Howard. I declare it will be dark before we get there. Come along boys.

Swan Going fishing, Judge?

Driscoll Yes, come along. We ought to have been there an hour ago.

(Exit all but Tom and Wilson R.3.E.)
(Enter Angelo and Luiji R.3.E. They lift their hats to the departing company)
(Wilson goes to desk R. Sits, Tom L.)

Tom Why, say – you – you twins – is that story I read in the St Louis paper about you two true?

Luiji (L.C.)
What story Mr. Driscoll?
(Looks at Angelo C.)

Tom You don't mean to say you haven't read it?

Luiji We have not.

Tom Reads like a romance. Say was your father a Florentine nobleman?

Luiji He was.

Tom Had all his estates confiscated?

Luiji Yes sir.

Tom (L.)
Then it all must be true. Say, what's that yarn about the Indian knife.

Luiji You mean the one that was stolen?

Tom (L.)
I didn't know it was stolen, was it? Might find it if you offered a reward. Why don't you get Pudd'nhead to work on it. You may not know it gentlemen, but Mr. Wilson is a great lawyer. No one found it out yet, ha, ha, ha. Never mind, Pudd'nhead I'll throw all my business your way some day.

Wilson (Sits back of L. table – to R.C.)
(Going over L. to Tom at table)
Well, if you would it might amount to something yet, Tom.

Tom Oh! By George – I know – I'll tell you how you can find it.

Angelo (R. and eagerly)
How?

(Together)

Luiji (R.C. eagerly)
How?

Tom (L. Wheeling about on table to Wilson)
Get Pudd'nhead to tell your fortune, ha, ha, ha!

Luiji (R.C.)
Do you tell fortunes, Mr. Wilson?

Wilson (Seated at back of table L.)
No.

Tom (L.)
You used to, didn't you, by those those thumb marks?

Luiji Thumb marks? Tell fortunes by thumb marks?

Wilson Tom is getting things mixed.

Tom Oh! no, now I remember that was done by reading the palm. Say Pudd'nhead, what are those thumb marks for anyway?
(Twins show great interest)

Wilson Gentlemen you mustn't mind Tom's nagging. I don't. It's so, – natural for him to make light of matters that he can't understand.

Angelo (R.)
Oh. But – the wonder of thumb marks that is turned to great use in Oriental countries.

Tom What use? Getting a corner on window glass? Ha, ha, ha!

Luiji (R.C.)
And as for palmestry, that is now a recognized science.

Tom (L.C.)
What, do you call that jugglery a science? Ha, ha, ha!

Luiji Four years ago we had our hands read, as if they were covered with print.

(MUSIC #11)

Tom (L.C.)
Tell you anything true?

Luiji (R.C.)
Not only told it, but told it long before the event took place.

Tom That was fortune telling. What was it?

Luiji That I should kill a man before the year was out.

(WARN CHANGE)

Tom (Very quiet now. Rise)
And you did?

Luiji Yes.

Tom Caesar's ghost for what?

Angelo (R.)
The rascal deserved killing.

Luiji (R.C.)
A valuable knife had been presented to my brother by an Italian Prince. A native servant whom we employed becoming aware of its value one night slipped into our room. A dim light was burning. Angelo was asleep, but fortunately I was awake. I saw the vague figure creeping towards our bed. I slipped by hand under the pillow and drew the knife from its sheath. I was not a minute too soon for the figure of the man arose at my brother's side, bent over him with an uplifted dagger, aimed at his throat. Quicker than it takes to tell I was upon him and my knife was in his heart. That is the whole story and just as it was foretold by the palmist.

(Tom is now painfully quiet)

(Wilson has been watching Tom)

Wilson Is that the knife that was stolen?

Luigi Yes, and apart from its value as a memto its intrinsic worth is great. The jewels in the sheath would be a fortune for some.

(Tom shows great surprise, aside R. hand on table)

Wilson (Back of table. Rise.)
Tom I've got your thumb mark often, but I never had a shot at your palm.
(He takes Tom's hand. Tom fearfully withdraws it,
Angelo Xes R.C.)
Oh. What's the matter? You can't have any question of a little privacy you are afraid of having exposed, have you?

(Twins laugh. Tom turns savagely at them. Luiji Xes to R of table C.)

Tom What are you laughing at?

Luiji (C.R.)
Ha, ha. Why look. The young man is positively blushing.

Tom (Going to him C.)
Well if I am, it's not because I am a murderer like you.

Luiji Ah! You reptile!
(Rushes at him. Struggles with him to L.C. force him on
one knee. Lift his hand to strike him)
No – not with my hand. With my foot. I kick a cur.
(Throws him down C. Kicks him)

Tom (On ground C.)
Here, don't, don't!

Angelo (R. going towards C.)
Brother forebear.

Wilson (At back of table checking him)
Don't, don't check a good impulse.

CHANGE OF SCENE.

(MUSIC No. 11 UNTIL NEXT SCENE ON)

SCENE:

Exterior of Wilson's ruined mill.
A brace drop or flat to lower in one. It represents the exterior of Wilson's mill. A tumble down affair as picturesque as possible. At first it appears opaque, but as the scene breaks the drop become transparent. This shows some of the exterior of the mill in ruins and the high bits of the river. Door F.R. broken and off hinges. Brush head R.L.E.

Lights: ambers, blues and reds.

DISCOVERED:

Roxy is seen at the room in the mill. Half dark.

(Enter Chambers with basket and Rowy L.1.E. Rowy pretends to be very timid. They X C.)

(MUSIC STOPS)

Rowy (Chambers and Rowy C.)
Say, ain't you afraid to go in there alone?

Chambers No, what I afraid for?

Rowy Why I just reckon a mouse would scare you.

Chambers (Going to door R.)
You can't April fool me no more dis day. Now you wait here. Don't you move till I come back.

(Exit arch R.C.)

Rowy (L.C.)
I'd just give anything if I could frighten him. Never could though. I know what I'll do. I'll hide. And when he don't find me that will frighten him.
(Goes to R.)
Oh. What's that?
(Looks L.1.E.)
Some one's coming. It's Tom. I'll April fool him.
(Hides R.)

(Enter Tom L.1.)

Tom (L.C. Looking at his palm)
I must get that knife out of the mill before they find that.
(Looks at palm)
Worth a fortune too and I like a fool would have sold it for a song.
(Looks at palm)
I wonder if Dave Wilson could have read anything in my hand. Wear gloves now until I get away.
(About to enter mill. X R.C. up)

Rowy (Hidden R.)
Tom Driscoll, your time has come.
(Groans)
Ooo – Ooo – I'm the ghost of –

Tom (C. Jumping aside)
What's that? Who's there? Ad lib.
(Rowy after groans only hides her head, her body is plainly seen)
Who are you, some nigger hiding there?
(Lifting a cane and going towards her)

Rowy (Comes out)
Oh!
(Retreating R. and laughing)

Tom Oh. It's you, is it?
(Xes L.C.)
What are you doing here?
(Suspiciously)

Rowy (Coming C.R.)
Wasn't hiding from you Tom, and I'm no nigger more that you are.

Tom Say, do you know what I think of those Italians at your house?

Rowy (R.C.)
No, Tom, what?

Tom (C.)
I think they're a pair of swindlers passing themselves off as foreign counts.

Rowy Better not tell them to their faces, Tom.

Tom Well, that's just what I will do and mighty soon too.

Rowy Be sure you have Chambers there when you do the telling.

Tom What will I want him for?

Rowy Do the fighting for you, Tom.
(Laughs)

Tom You think I would have that damn white nigger do my fighting?
(Goes L.)

Rowy (C.)
Ain't any real nigger would do it for you, unless you're mighty changed – I don't reckon you would do it for yourself.

Tom (Turns to her)
Look here, you are getting altogether too saucy for me.

(MUSIC NO.12)

Rowy Got to, Tom, when you get sassy, but you never did have more manners for a lady than – well, I reckon I won't say the rest of it.

(Lights up in transparent mill – R. side)
(Enter Chambers R.D.F. stands in door)

Tom (L.)
No, you'd better not or –
(Threateningly)

Rowy (R.C.)
Or what?
(Walking up to him)
Now just reckon you would like to thrash me if I said what I thought.

Tom Your impudence makes me feel as if I'd like to.
(Going towards her)

Chambers (C. Comes between them C.)
Now Marse Tom, you wouldn't do that. She's only just April fooing. Been doing dat all day. I know she's mighty provokin' but she's only a child.

Tom (L.C. Always suspicious)
What are you doing here?

Rowy (R.C.)
What's that to you, he came with me.

Tom Well, you get home. Oh, don't I long for the time when I'm your master. You'll dance to a different tune then.

Rowy Oh! Chambers, don't I pity you when he's your master? I reckon you'll make life miserable. Won't you Tom?
(Xes to C.)
When you're his master? Well I'll tell you what I'll do. You know I come into my fortune right soon now. I'll buy him, when you're his master. Now you promise me that you'll sell Chambers to me the first thing you do when you're his master, won't you Tom?

Tom No I won't. I'll sell him down the river, that's the first thing I'll do when I'm his master.

Rowy Oh! Chambers you're a gogger sure, when he's your master. Ha, ha, ha!

Chambers (R.)
Don't Miss Rowy, what you want to do dat for?

Rowy Just to see him stirred up. He does look so brave. Just as if he was going to do something big, and then he don't. And that's funny.

Chambers Now don't you mind her, Marse Tom.

Rowy (Turning X to Chambers quickly C.)
Now you look here, you Chambers.

Chambers (R. aside to her)
For de lor sake Miss Rowy don't say no more. My maw in dere and she just frightened to death about him.

Rowy Oh. I forgot, forgive me.

Tom What are you two whispering about there?

Chambers (Coming C.)
Nothin' clar to goodness nothin' Marse Tom. She just say how she say des tings just cos she like you so much.

Rowy (R.C. laughing)
Yes, that's it Tom. And you know he's the only one I could tell that to, because he knows how much I like you, and there's no April fool about that.

Chambers (C. aside to her R.)
For heavens sake, Miss Rowy.

Tom (L.C.)
Well I'm damned if I don't think you're in love with that nigger.

(Rowy rushes at Tom and seizes him by the throat)

Rowy Tom Driscoll!

Chambers (R.C.)
Oh! Miss Rowy, don't.
(Taking hold of her)

Rowy (C. turns fiercely on Chambers)
You take your hands off me you, Chambers.
(Turns to Tom)
Tom Driscoll, you're the meanest lowest down coward in the country. There isn't a nigger that isn't your superior, and for the insult – you have just offered to me –
(She falls sobbing R. on stone)

Chambers (Pretending not to understand)
What did he say Miss Rowy? He didn't say nothing wrong did he? You know we all chillen together. Des little troubles don't amount to nothing nohow. Why he die for you same as I would – if occasion required. Wouldn't you, Marse Tom? Dere now – please don't cry no more, Miss Rowy.
(Xes C.)
Marse Tom, you go speak to her, please do, Marse Tom.
(Places hand on Tom's arm)

Tom (L.C. turning fiercely on him)
How dare you place your hand on me?
(Lifts his cane)

Chambers (With great suppression looking at cane)
What you gwine to do wid dat? You wouldn't strike me – not wid dat sir – I never got a blow in my life 'cepting in scuffle –
(Half laughing)
wid de boys – most allers on your account to – don't mind dat, but don't you whip me, not wid dat sir –

Tom No damn you, I'll have you tied up and flogged.

Chambers (L.)
Who flog me, sah?

Tom Who usually flogs niggers?

Chambers You mean you have some other nigger flog me?

Tom (L.C.)
That's just what I mean as sure as my name is Tom Driscoll.

Chambers (C. Quietly)
Then I advise you change your name sah.

Tom (L.C. Turning on him and lifting cane)
You dare to talk to a white man like that?

(Rowy turns and watches them R.C.)

Chambers (C. Fiercely)
And you dare to talk to a white woman like that?
(Tom raises cane again)

Chambers (Snatches cane from Tom's hand)
I understand your insult to her. Get on your knees and ask her pardon, or by God I whip you.

Tom What! – you dog!

Chambers Yes – dat's it – I'm a dog – but I'm her dog and when you insult her I bite – get on your knees sah.
(Raises cane)

Rowy (Down at R. of Chambers)
Chambers, you're risking your life to strike a white man.

Chambers (C.)
'Tain't no man, Miss Rowy – it's a dog – dog against dog – Now –
(Throws away cane down front of him, taking him by throat
with both hands and forces him to his knees)
You ask her pardon, or by God I'll choke the breath out of your body in one minute.

Tom (L.C. on his knees)
Would you murder me? don't – don't –

Chambers (Over him)
Say it quick – you won't have breath enough in a minute –

Tom Yes I will – I will – Miss Rowy I ask your pardon.

(MUSIC STOPS)

Chambers (Releasing him. Tom rises)
Now Marse Tom, you act like a gentleman.
(Takes up cane hands it to Tom.)
(Tom takes cane and goes R.)
(Rowy goes L. behind. Tom nurses his neck as if hurt)

Chambers (L.C.)
He won't say dat no more, Miss Rowy. Tom, I fought your battles all my life. Do so yet if the occasion requires, but don't you insult her again 'cause if you do I don't give you a chance to apologize. Next time by God I kill you.

(Enter Roxy D.R.C.)
(All through the scene she has been watching the action from inside the mill)

Roxy (C. in door)
What for you make all dis row for, Chambers?

Chambers (L.C.)
Just funnin', Maw. Tom jus funnin' – all de same just like when he was a boy.

Roxy (C.)
Who's gal's dis?

Rowy (L.)
I'm Dave Wilson's niece.

Chambers (L.C.)
And he's a friend of yours. And he believes you innocent.

Rowy (L.)
And so do I, and this property belongs to my uncle, and you can stay here just as long as you want to, and don't you let anyone frighten you away, if that's what they came for.

Roxy (C.)
Ain't gwine to. Ise innocent and I'se gwine to stay right here until I prove it.

Tom (R.)
And you'll have a mighty hard time to do that.

Roxy (C.)
No, I won't. You go long home Chambers. I got to talk to Marse Tom.

Chambers (Xing back of Rowy to lead her off L)
Come along Miss Rowy. Good bye Maw, and Marse Tom, don't you fool so rough next time.

(Exit Rowy and Chambers L.1.E.)
(Rowy scarcely knowing whether to laugh or cry, she shows apprehension of Chambers' position but giggles at Chambers last line)

Roxy (Watching them as they go L.C.)
Das powerful strange, deys a heap on human nature after all. She loves that boy.

Tom (R.C.)
What do you mean by that? A white girl fall in love with a nigger?

Roxy (Laughing)
Dat's what I say.
(Turning to Tom)
Dat's what you say yourself just now.

Tom What do you want with me?

Roxy Fust I wan' you to clear me o' dis suspicion.
(Coming from door)

Tom How can I clear you, you fool?

Roxy (C. and turning L. Putting on her jaunty air)
You fool if you don't.

Tom (R.C.)
Now don't you provoke me – one nigger has insulted me today.

Roxy (Fiercely)
Why didn't yer kill him?
(Turns quickly from him and looks off L.)

Tom (Staggered)
What? Your own son?

Roxy (C. Jauntily. Not looking at him)
Been on de Mississippi mor'n fifteen years now. Seen niggers killed for heap less than dat.

Tom (C. Taking her by the arm and turning her around)
Look here, do you mean to tell of this?

Roxy Deed no, only jus want you to clar me of dis suspicion.

Tom How?

Roxy Dat's for you to 'range

Tom What do you mean?

Roxy (Insinuatingly)
Oh, nothing, just fun. Just like Chambers jus now, when he squeeze your neck. Youse gwine to clar me, ain't you?

Tom No, and what's more I wouldn't if I could. I'll hunt you both down now. That will be my revenge.
(Going R.)

Roxy He, he, he. You look mighty interesting when you were on your knees before dat girl jus now.

Tom (Turning enraged)
What!

Roxy (C.)
Dat's what youse gwine to do again. Youse gwine on your knees to me – and ask me my pardon.

Tom I on my knees to you?

Roxy Sure you born – an less dan one minute, as Chambers say.

(MUSIC NO. 13 UNTIL CURTAIN)

Tom (X R.C.)
Now, don't you provoke me.

Roxy (C.)
And don't you provoke me – or go straight to Judge Driscoll and tell him something what I know.

Tom (Terrified)
What do you know?

Roxy Jus turn down the collar your coat. Golly, Chambers must hurt you jus now, when he squeeze your neck.
(Creeping towards him R.)

Tom (Retreating R. fearfully)
What's the matter with my neck?

(WARN CURTAIN)

Roxy I jus wanted to see where my nails landed that night.

Tom (Overcome with fear)
What do you mean?

Roxy I mean dat youse de thief they's after.

Tom (Fiercely X R.C.)
It's a lie! It's a lie!

Roxy (C.)
No it ain't.

Tom (R.C.)
You have no proofs.

Roxy Yes I have, but I don't don care so much about dat –
(Now changing her manner to an apologizing mien* with hands above her head and swaying her body to and fro)
I could have forgive all dat and took all de blame on myself. But jus now when I see your low down nature – when I see you disgrace your parents you spoil every feeling I have for you. You lose my respect.

Tom Your feeling, your respect ha, ha, ha.
(Turning R.)

Roxy Yes, you jus kill all dat out of me.

Tom Ha, ha, ha.

Roxy Oh! Nigger got pride jus same as white folks. All de time I look on you as de resurrection and de life mos till now, but now you humiliate me – you break my heart – des jus one part of you – that's all black – and dat's your soul.
(Staggers back a little C.)

Tom (Approaching her R.C.)
Woman, you are crazy.

Roxy For a 'mighty, no, it's worse dan dat – I'se your mudder!

– C U R T A I N –