Time: Christmas morning.
Scene: Same as Act I. During first part of scene, the troupe, all but Pepper and Tim, are very busy arranging tent for their special performance. Barney and Dutch move mess-table to [R.], cover it with red cloth, and set two boxes upon it as seats for the guests of honor. Ben and Jerry bring in a gymnasium mattress and a small low platform, which they arrange [Center], covering it with a bright-colored cloth. Harry, Jack, and Mike set soap-boxes with boards for seats at back of stage.
Barney. Did yez iver see annything loike the change in the Boss?
Ben. I jes' lay awake half de night studyin' 'bout it.
Jerry. I tell you, he's just treatin' those two kids white, he is.
Jack. First time ever, for him.
Mike. I'm just shtruck doomb, I am. Says I to meself, says I, "There's magic in ut."
Dutch. Nein,—it's dot little Christmas Tree vot doos ut.
Harry. Well, h'anyway, 'e's h'evidently 'ad a change of 'eart. 'Ow's the kids this morning?
Ben. Fine as silk! I war expectin' to fin' 'em all tuckered out, but not a bit of it, sir! Dey's sharp as persimmons. Don' seem lak dey could a-walked all dat way widout no lift.