ALL. [Repeat without looking at the water-wheel or knowing from whence the strange music is heard] Who is cutting in?
Then the NECK ceases playing, while the fiddlers continue. The PASTOR takes the bride by the hand and begins to lead her around the room in a stately and solemn manner. Just as he puts his arm about KERSTI'S waist in order to open the dance with her the NECK begins to play again.
KERSTI. [Dropping the crown, which rolls into the mill-race] Jesus Christ!
All the people in the living-room get on their feet and cry: "The crown's in the mill-race!"
Those in the rear room shout back: "What's up?"
Those in the living-room repeat: "The crown's in the mill-race!"
The fiddlers suddenly stop their playing. The whole place is in wild commotion.
MATS. [Appearing in the doorway] We must look for it!
ALL. We must look for it!
PASTOR. God help us and protect us!
ALL. God help us and protect us!
SHERIFF. Let us look for it!
ALL. Let us look for it!