Wheeler. (calls) Deacon, Deacon. (Deacon rouses up with a start, brushes coat off L. upon floor with arm) I must leave you now to attend to some business. I will send some one to direct you to Mrs. Thornton's. (goes R. near door, Deacon protesting)
Enter Policeman L. U. E.; passes through gate. Wheeler walks down R. motioning Policeman to follow. Stands R. 1 E.
Deacon. No, don't go. Don't. All right—I'll—get ready—(slowly rises, looks for coat. Does not notice Wheeler and Policeman) Never had so glorious a time—before—(places hand on head) Oh,—my—head! Where's—my—coat? (sees it on floor. Bis. of attempting to pick it up; finally falls in a heap beside it. Picks it up and examines it) Blast it, some—boy—been—fooling—with it—turned it inside out. (turns coat) I've—had—another—sun—stroke—wish—I—was—home—in—bed—I'm—sick—
Wheeler. (to officer. Talks through scene) If you detain that man here for two hours, and then take him to Mrs. Thornton's residence, I will make it well worth your trouble. Will you do it? (Officer bows head) Very well; now go and assist him. (Officer goes to Deacon, who has coat turned inside out and one sleeve on. Officer tries to take it off, but the Deacon protests and finally has his own way) A pretty plight for one's father-in-law to be in! Perhaps if he knew me he would reconsider the opinion he expressed about me a moment ago. (smiles)
Enter Billy L. U. E., with large carpet-bag, half crying. Talks as he comes to gate. Pete follows him and beckons L. as though urging others to follow.
Billy. Now leave me alone. Dog-gone your ugly pictures! I didn't do nuffin to amongst you. (leans on gate. Faces R. C. Pete sneaks up and pinches him. Billy kicks and yells. Cries. Officer assisting Deacon to feet, sees Pete)
Officer. Leave that boy alone, you black rascal, or I'll arrest you.
Pete. Well, make him take in his sign, if he don't want de boys to hab any fun wid him. You can't scare me, ole fiddle strings, I knows yo'. (Officer feints to start for him. Pete pulls off hat and runs off L. U. E.)
Deacon. (authoritatively) Come here, Billy. (Billy opens gate and goes down to Deacon, sniffling. Deacon looks steadily at him a moment)
Enter three lads and lassies R. U. E., with Violinist. Wheeler whistles to them softly as they reach gate and beckons for them to enter. They come in; Violinist goes up L. , the rest R. Wheeler goes to them and makes a proposition, then exit door, R. 2 E.