JOE. I'm purty busy now, an' that tune—can't you let up till I'm through?
ESROM. Yes, sah.
JOE. An' while you're resting you might bring another bucket o' water an' dump it in this tub.
ESROM. [Going.] Yes, sah—don't you really want to buy any mo' coke?
JOE. Not this morning, Esrom. [Exit ESROM with jew's-harp, playing.] Ready? [Takes tire from fire and hammers weld out—when pounding is done, traveller runs over it as before. Enter MRS. VERNON.
MRS. VERNON. Joe, can't you leave that now?
JOE. Course I can't, ma—it's Louisiana time now.
MRS. VERNON. Well, the breakfast's spilin'. [Exit.
JOE. [Calling.] Well, it's Dave an' his durned alarm-clock—if I'd let Kate set it—I guess she's all right now, Cal. [HELPER puts tire in fire—last heating. JOE goes to trusses and lays wheel square. Enter SARBER. SARBER wears linen duster and boots, and carries a whip.] Hello, Bill.
SARBER. [Down] Hello, Joe—mighty nigh time. [Looking at watch.