Some one is coming down the stairs. Carrie, bringing food for the old man. She is lovely in her fresh energy of the morning, in the calm untested confidence and nascent maternity which rise from the purpose of her present mission. She walks to within a few paces of Kabnis. Carrie K.: Brother says come up now, brother Ralph. Kabnis: Brother doesnt know what he’s talkin bout. Carrie K.: Yes he does, Ralph. He needs you on th wagon. Kabnis: He wants me on th wagon, eh? Does he think some wooden thing can lift me up? Ask him that. Carrie K.: He told me t help y. Kabnis: An how would you help me, child, dear sweet little sister? She moves forward as if to aid him. Carrie K.: I’m not a child, as I’ve more than once told you, brother Ralph, an as I’ll show you now. Kabnis: Wait, Carrie. No, thats right. Youre not a child. But twont do t lift me bodily. You dont understand. But its th soul of me that needs th risin. Carrie K: Youre a bad brother an just wont listen t me when I’m tellin y t go t church. Kabnis doesnt hear her. He breaks down and talks to himself. Kabnis: Great God Almighty, a soul like mine cant pin itself onto a wagon wheel an satisfy itself in spinnin round. Iron prongs an hickory sticks, an God knows what all ... all right for Halsey ... use him. Me? I get my life down in this scum-hole. Th old man an me— Carrie K.: Has he been talkin? Kabnis: Huh? Who? Him? No. Dont need to. I talk. An when I really talk, it pays th best of them t listen. Th old man is a good listener. He’s deaf; but he’s a good listener. An I can talk t him. Tell him anything. Carrie K.: He’s deaf an blind, but I reckon he hears, an sees too, from th things I’ve heard. Kabnis: No. Cant. Cant I tell you. How’s he do it? Carrie K.: Dunno, except I’ve heard that th souls of old folks have a way of seein things. Kabnis: An I’ve heard them call that superstition. The old man begins to shake his head slowly. Carrie and Kabnis watch him, anxiously. He mumbles. With a grave motion his head nods up and down. And then, on one of the down-swings— Father John (remarkably clear and with great conviction): Sin. He repeats this word several times, always the downward nodding. Surprised, indignant, Kabnis forgets that Carrie is with him. Kabnis: Sin! Shut up. What do you know about sin, you old black bastard. Shut up, an stop that swayin an noddin your head. Father John: Sin. Kabnis tries to get up. Kabnis: Didnt I tell y t shut up? Carrie steps forward to help him. Kabnis is violently shocked at her touch. He springs back.