American. I'll bet twenty-five dollars that he doesn't drown—thirty dollars! [Disgustedly, seeing that no one takes him up.] Tightwads!
Artist. Life is like that. One man's success is another man's failure. He who sacrifices himself for an idea is a hero. He who sacrifices himself for a fellow man is a fool.
Young Man [theatrically]. No, it is the highest, the noblest of instincts. That is why my heart bleeds when I see all these people stand indifferently by while a fellow man is drowning. No one jumps in after him—
American. Jump in yourself, young man, jump in yourself.
Young Man [center]. It is different with me, I am with a lady—it wouldn't be right.
American. Nobody will bet. This is a hell of a bunch. They ought to see one of our nigger lynchings. [Strokes the dog.] Poor Molly! She is so nervous. Things like this get her all excited.
[Two Policemen enter.]
First Policeman. Look at the mob. Something is liable to happen there.
Second Policeman. Isn't it forbidden for such a mob to gather on the dock?
First Policeman. Sure, it's against the law. Why shouldn't it be?