SERGEANT [dropping wearily into chair at left of centre table]. Well, don't drop our breakfast. Put it on the table. We're ready.
MARY [stands gazing at him]. It ain't finished.
OFFICER [worn out by his day's work and MARY'S stupidity, from now on absolutely brutish]. You've had time to cook a dozen meals. You're as slow as a snail. What did you do all the time we were in the barn?
MARY. I didn't do nothin'.
SERGEANT. You lazy female. Now get a move on, and give us something fit to eat. Don't try to get rid of any left-overs on us. If you do, you'll suffer for it.
[MARY stands looking at him.] Don't you know anything, you brainless farm-drudge? Hurry, I said.
[MARY turns to the stove. THADDEUS sits in chair at left of smaller table.]
DICK. What a night. My stomach's as hollow as these people's heads. [Takes towel which hangs above the bench and wipes the barrel of his gun with it.]
MARY [sees DICK]. That's one of my best towels.
DICK. Can't help it.