Same as in Act III., with the addition of a hammock slung near the wheel-house, containing the baby. Enter Mary from the wheel-house with a small sailor hat and reefer on. She takes them off, and lays them on a chair as she talks.
Mary. Here we are at last, safe at New Orleans. I wish I could hear from Washington; and why don’t I hear from William? I sent home the last money I had saved up, and I shall have no more if they take the boat away. I can’t give her up! And I can’t do anything else to earn a living. This is my business—my life.
(Enter Phus, L.)
Phus. Oh, mis’! Pats he say he won’t help unload de boat; an’ I can’t get nobody to help, as you tole me. Dey all say dey won’t be bos’ by no woman.
Mary (sighs). Well, Phus, you’re willing to work for me, ain’t you? You won’t leave your mistress, will you?
Phus. Neber! No, mis’! I allus work for you an’ de cap’n an’ de baby. Hank, too, he stay. He ben hawlin out de cargo like sixty. He say wimmin good ’nough for him. He ruther be cook to wimmin bos’; cos dey knows more ’bout de fixin’s, an’ dey neber sez, “darn dat stuff.”
Mary. Phus, you run and tell Patsy he can go. He’s all paid up; and I don’t want him any more. And, here! take my reefer and hat down into the cabin. I shan’t want them at present.
Phus. Yes, mis’. (He goes out, R.)
Mary (swinging the hammock gently). Must I leave my happy home, where I came a bride? (Leans over the baby) My baby’s birthplace? Why! I love every timber in this tight little steamboat. She is as dear to me as one of the biggest houses on the river is to the fine lady who lives in it.
Phus (re-entering). Oh, mis’! Pats he say he will go wid you up riber a piece, to where he woman lib, an’ get off dar.