THE CUSTOMER. (Angrily) Who the devil do you think
THE BARBER. (Interrupting him by running the lather brush into his mouth) Oh, shut up! (There is a pause.)
THE CUSTOMER. I'll-I'll give you ten dollars to let me go.
THE BARBER. (Acting as if he did not hear) Beg pardon, sir?
THE CUSTOMER. (Taking the scarf-pin from the edge of his vest.)
This scarf-pin—it's worth five hundred dollars—I'll give—
THE BARBER. (Raises his hand to his ear, knocking the pin out of THE CUSTOMER's hand) I don't hear well on this side. Try the other.
THE CUSTOMER. A thousand dollars! I'll give you a thousand dollars!
THE BARBER. I'm afraid it won't do, sir. You see, the young lady who runs the news stand up-stairs says—you won't interrupt me this time will you?—she says it's important to keep customers in sight. There's nothing so bad for trade as an empty shop.
THE CUSTOMER. Oh, have you no heart? It's almost too late now!
Every second is worth a dollar to me!
THE BARBER. Well, sir, it will console you to know that my time is worth very little.