Drew—Sound’s funny to hear you talking about going to sea. Why, you always used——
Nat—[Wearily.] I know. This is different.
Drew—You want to see the Islands, I suppose?
Nat—[Suspiciously.] Maybe. Why not?
Drew—What group is your Pa heading for first?
Nat—[More suspiciously.] You’ll have to ask him. Why do you want to know? [Abruptly.] You better be getting up to the house, Sue—if we’re to have any supper. Danny must be hungry. [He turns his back on them. They exchange meaning glances.]
Sue—[With a sigh.] It must be getting late. Come on, Danny. You can see Pa later on. [They go toward the door in the rear.] Aren’t you coming, Nat?
Nat—No. I’ll wait. [Impatiently.] Go ahead. I’ll be up before long.
Drew—See you later, then, Nat.
Nat—Yes. [They go out, rear. Nat paces up and down in a great state of excitement. The door on the left is opened and Bartlett enters. His eyes are wild, as if he had been drinking heavily, but he shows no other effects. Father and son stand looking at one another for a second. Nat takes a step backward as if in fear, then straightens up defiantly.]