ANOTHER VOICE.
That ain’t good politics, Hambo, beatin’ the Mayor.
ANOTHER VOICE.
Well, Hambo, you don’t got to be so hard at checkers, come on let’s see what you can do with de cards. Lum Boger there got his hands full nursin’ the chilluns.
ANOTHER VOICE.
(At the table) We ain’t playin’ for money, nohow, Deacon. We just playin’ a little Florida Flip.
HAMBO.
Ya all can’t play no Florida Flip. When I was a sinner there wasn’t a man in this state could beat me playin’ that game. But I’m a deacon in Macedonia Baptist now and I don’t bother with the cards no more.
VOICE AT CARD TABLE.
All right, then, come on here Tony (To man with basket on steps.) let me catch your jack.
TAYLOR.
(Looking toward door) I don’t reckon I got time. I guess my wife gonna get through buying out that store some time or other and want to go home.
OLD MAN.
(On opposite side of porch from card game) I bet my wife would know better than expect me to sit around and wait for her with a basket. Whyn’t you tell her to tote it on home herself?
TAYLOR.
(Sighing and shaking his head.) Eh, Lawd!
VOICE AT CARD TABLE.
Look like we can’t get nobody to come into this game. Seem like everybody’s scared a us. Come on back here, Lum, and take your hand. (LUM makes a final futile gesture at the children.)
LUM.
Ain’t I tole you little haitians to stay away from here?