MAYO. (with an angry snort of disbelief) Hump! You’re pilin’ lie on lie!
ANDREW. (losing his temper—bitterly) I suppose it’d be hard for you to explain anyone’s wanting to leave this blessed farm except for some outside reason like that. But I’m sick and tired of it—whether you want to believe me or not—and that’s why I’m glad to get a chance to move on.
ROBERT. Andy! Don’t! You’re only making it worse.
ANDREW. (sulkily) I don’t care. I’ve done my share of work here. I’ve earned my right to quit when I want to. (Suddenly overcome with anger and grief; with rising intensity) I’m sick and tired of the whole damn business. I hate the farm and every inch of ground in it. I’m sick of digging in the dirt and sweating in the sun like a slave without getting a word of thanks for it. (Tears of rage starting to his eyes—hoarsely) I’m through, through for good and all; and if Uncle Dick won’t take me on his ship, I’ll find another. I’ll get away somewhere, somehow.
MRS. MAYO. (in a frightened voice) Don’t you answer him, James. He doesn’t know what he’s saying. Don’t say a word to him ’til he’s in his right senses again. Please James, don’t——
MAYO. (pushes her away from him; his face is drawn and pale with the violence of his passion. He glares at ANDREW as if he hated him) You dare to—you dare to speak like that to me? You talk like that ’bout this farm—the Mayo farm—where you was born—you—you—— (He clenches his fist above his head and advances threateningly on ANDREW) You damned whelp!
MRS. MAYO. (with a shriek) James! (She covers her face with her hands and sinks weakly into MAYO’S chair. ANDREW remains standing motionless, his face pale and set).
SCOTT. (starting to his feet and stretching his arms across the table toward MAYO) Easy there, Jim!
ROBERT. (throwing himself between father and brother) Stop! Are you mad?
MAYO. (grabs ROBERT’S arm and pushes him aside—then stands for a moment gasping for breath before ANDREW. He points to the door with a shaking finger) Yes—go!—go!—You’re no son o’ mine—no son o’ mine! You can go to hell if you want to! Don’t let me find you here—in the mornin’—or—or—I’ll throw you out!