Dutch [clapping hands]. Abplaud! Dey mus' have abplowse!
[While the animals are performing, the
canvas parts (R. front). Enter Farmer
Simpson, unnoticed by anyone save
Dutch, who watches him at first uncomprehendingly,
then with suspicion. The
farmer looks about in horror, craning his
neck to see all that is going on. Shakes
his fist at the Ringmaster, sees the children,
and makes as if to grab them. Dutch
interposes his body with determination.
Dutch [sotto voce, but decidedly]. Vot you t'ink you do—hein?
Farmer. You gi'me those children!
Dutch. You vaits. You don' gotta take 'em yet.
Farmer. They're mine and I've come to git 'em.
Dutch. You is deir vater, hein? All right; you vaits. Shoost sit down und look at der show. [Shoves him down forcibly on a convenient box or keg, then carefully stands between him and the boys. Children shout and applaud the animals. Farmer watches at intervals, and during each turn he rises as if to protest, and is emphatically set down by Dutch. His resistance is more and more feeble each time, and his interest in the performers visibly increases, until at the end he actually stands looking open-mouthed over Dutch's shoulder, even betrayed into applause. When he catches himself clapping, however, he stops short and clasps his hands behind his back. Professor Wormwood finally bows himself off.]
Peter. I have the honor to announce Signor Frencelli and Signor Cocodilla in their great act.
[Clowns come forward and bow, do juggling
tricks, etc. Same business for the rest.
Sonny. Oh, Bub, I think our dad would like this, don't you?