There's a fire. They wants you to come down to the engine!
[He runs away.
RAUCHHAUPT appears at the gate. Two LITTLE GIRLS cling to his rags.
RAUCHHAUPT
I'm used to that! It don't excite me a bit! Mieze! Lottie! You c'n come an' see somethin'.—I seen hundreds an' hundreds o' fires,
DR. BOXER
[Takes off the leathern apron.] It's a very sad thing for those people, though!
RAUCHHAUPT
Everythin' is sad in this here world. It's all a question o' how you looks at it! The same thing that's sad c'n be mighty cheerin'. Now there's me: I raises pineapples, an' my hothouse wall … it's right up against Fielitzes' back wall. Now I won't have to keep no fire goin' for three days.
A somewhat OLDER GIRL also comes out through the gate and nestles close up to the others. MRS. SCHULZE leans out from the window in the gable.