Labor unions -- United States -- Drama; Social classes -- United States -- Drama; Strikes and lockouts -- Drama
'Now we've got millions!' then say 'April Fool.'
God, I don't blame them though; I'd do it too.
(_Picks up a blanket and, sticking pieces of brush in the ground,
hangs it between the fire and the town_)
CAP SAUNDERS.
Aug. Jergens he'd be mighty mad, I tell you.
HARVEY ANDERSON.
If I could put men out, you bet I would.
And when I found the gold I'd make her fly.
You wouldn't catch me quarrelling with a lot
Of fellows for the bones, I tell you that.
I'd take a rump or two, then say, 'Light in
And fill your bellies'; or, 'Come on; I'm rich;
Let's take a turn together.' And I'd buy
A train or two and we'd all take a spin
Around the world. I'd make their hair stand up.
I'd show those eastern fellows once or twice.
(_Goes left and climbs up on the boulder and looks back over the
waste_)
CAP SAUNDERS.
(_Coming forward_)
You'll have that rolling down if you don't mind.
HARVEY ANDERSON.
And that's one reason I'll be always broke,
For I know how to spend, while Egerton
And Jergens and those fellows down there don't,
In spite of their big houses. They know how
To quarrel with men and squeeze their last dime out,
But they don't know how to say, 'By God, come on;
Let's have a drink together; we're all friends.'
(_The old man busies himself about the fire, preparing the evening
meal. Anderson sits down on the boulder and looks off up the
valley. Where the town was seen, lights begin to appear_)
HARVEY ANDERSON.
You'll wake up some day, Cap, and look about
And Harvey will be gone.
CAP SAUNDERS.
You don't mean that!
You ain't took no offence at what I said?
HARVEY ANDERSON.
Mad as the Devil, Cap.
CAP SAUNDERS.
Don't you know, Harvey,
About the rolling stone?
HARVEY ANDERSON.
There's some stones, Cap,
Would rather have the motion than the moss.
CAP SAUNDERS.
You're sure a wild one, Harvey; that you are.
You'd stir a muss up, that's what you would do.
(_Goes to the boulder and stands beside Anderson, and they both
look off up the valley_)
HARVEY ANDERSON.
The mansion all lit up--what's going on?
(_They are silent_)
It's a strange world, Cap, it's a funny world.
You throw a piece of bread down; it draws ants,
Red ants and black ants, little ants and big,
And if you'll keep it up you'll have them here
Building their hills about you; you know that.
CAP SAUNDERS.
(_Returning to the fire_)
It's wonderful how much some men can do.
HARVEY ANDERSON.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account