(Enter r. h. u. e. span of wild horses, swiftly dragging a carryall. In the carryall two children screaming. speed of horses, 2.41.)
Mr. Starr. Under the present circumstances life is worthless, or nearly so. Let me bravely throw it away!
(Rushes upon the span. catches each horse by the bit, and by sheer weight controls them. horses on their mettle; Mr. Starr on his. enter, running, John Cradock.)
John Cradock. Whoa, whoa! Ha! they stop. How can I thank you, my man? You have saved my children’s lives.
Mr. Starr (still holding bits). You had better take the reins.
John Cradock mounts the seat, seizes reins, but is eager to reward the poor, tattered wretch at their heads. Passes reins to right hand, and with left feels for a half eagle, which he throws, with grateful words, to Mr. Starr. Mr. Starr leaves the plunging horses, and they rush toward Prescott Street. (Exeunt John Cradock, horses and children.)
Half amused, half ashamed, Mr. Starr picks up the coin, which he also supposes to be half an eagle.
It proves to be a bright penny, just from the mint.
Mr. Starr lays it with delight upon the five-cent nickel.
(Enter a street car, l. h. l. e. Mr. Starr waves his hand with dignity, and enters car. Pays his fare, six cents, as he passes conductor.)